Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., Director

Overview

Available by invitation to incoming freshmen, the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program provides an alternate way of fulfilling General Education requirements. Students not selected initially may apply for admission as second semester freshmen or as sophomores. Courses for SJLA program participants, who are drawn from all different majors, attempt to foster the following skills that University graduates have found particularly useful in law, medicine, business and graduate school:

1. An understanding of key achievements in the literature, history, philosophy, theology and science of the Western classical and Christian heritage;
2. An ability to apply logical, systematic, and critical reflection to any given intellectual problem;
3. An understanding of and sensitivity toward the contemporary problems of our day;
4. An outstanding ability to communicate clearly and persuasively one's ideas through both the spoken and written word (what Jesuits have historically referred to as eloquentia perfecta).

Students are expected to become involved in extracurricular and service activities on campus if they wish to remain in SJLA. Many participants also study abroad, earn a double major in philosophy, and join the Honors Program if they apply and are accepted during their sophomore year. Above all, participants are expected to seek out and interact with their professors and other students in this community of learning, which is under the direction of Rev. Ronald H. McKinney, S.J.

SJLA students are eligible to apply for the Christopher Jason Perfilio Memorial Scholarships, awarded each year since 1995.

Electives and Exemptions

SJLA’s five or six elective (beyond the twosemester language requirement) credits are intended to be used toward courses in math, computer literacy, and the natural and social sciences. There are always exemptions made to ensure that everyone takes at least 130 credits but no more than a credit-heavy major requires. Special exemptions may also be possible for those participating in foreign study, in Honors, or in a difficult double major or minor.

SJLA Curriculum
Dept. and No.		Descriptive Title of Course	Credits
		FIRST YEAR	FALL	SPRING
MAJOR/COGNATE		Major/Cognate	6-9	6-9
LANG		Mordern or Classical Language	3	3
PHIL 120J-210J		Intro. to Philosophy - Ethics	3	3
T/RS 121J-ELECT		Theology I - Elective	3	3
FSEM-PHED		INTD 100 - Physical Education	1	1
			16-19	16-19
		SECOND YEAR
MAJOR/COGNATE		Major/Cognate	9-12	9-12
ELECT-T/RS 122J		Elective - Theology II	3	3
PHIL 217J-311J		The Trivium - Metaphysics	3	3
PHED		Physical Education	1	1
			16-19	16-19
		THIRD YEAR
MAJOR/COGNATE		Major/Cognate	9	9
INTD 110J-ELECT		The Jesuit Magis - Elective	3	3
ELECT-HUMN 311J		Elective - Masterworks I	3	3
PHIL 322J-PHIL 419J		Philosophy of Conscience - Philos. East & West	3	3
			18	18
		FOURTH YEAR
MAJOR		Major	6	6
ELECT		Electives	3	3
PHIL 412J-413J		Art & Metaphysics – End of Philosophy	3	3
HUM 312J-ELECT		Masterworks II–Elective	3	3
			15	15
			Total: 130-142 Credits (depending on major)