thinking and imagining that will help students deal with the fundamental questions of human existence, regardless of their career goals.
Thus, in the common course of studies required of all students, the emphasis is on the careful reading and discussion of many of the most important books in literature, history, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and sciences. Classes are small. Students learn to read critically, to speak precisely, to write effectively, and to listen attentively by being required to use some or all of these skills daily. The curriculum is designed not only to help students know, but to help them develop the skills they will need as they take their places in the adult world and in the world of the various professions.
While the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies is related to other "great books" programs throughout the country in its basic orientation, the curriculum at Kentucky State University is not a pale copy of ideas developed at private universities. The courses and curriculum in the School have been developed and adapted to take advantage of the particular conditions at Kentucky State University, and this development is an ongoing process. Class size ranges from 10 to 15 in tutorials (language and mathematics/science courses), and up to 20 in seminars.
Students who take the Honors Core pursue a sequence of freshman and sophomore courses in the School, which, taken in its entirety (48 semester credit hours), provides an alternative and briefer way of fulfilling all of the University's Liberal Studies Requirements. Engineering and Natural Science majors, with the exception of Biology or Biology Education majors, complete only the seminars and language tutorials; the Math/Science component of the core is fulfilled by courses from the Division of Mathematics and Sciences. Biology and Biology Education majors also fulfill their math and science core requirements through the Division of Mathematics and Sciences and must successfully complete HON 222 (Evolutionary Biology and Genetics). Curriculum ladders for students completing the honors core are not listed in this Catalogue, but are available from advisors in the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies.
Students who major in Liberal Studies, who earn at least 128 semester credit hours, who successfully complete 30 semester credit hours in required LST courses or approved liberal studies electives (with a grade of "C" or better) in their junior and senior years, who pass the Senior Comprehensive Examination, and who meet all other University requirements will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies.
Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies students take part in all activities of the University, such as social and academic clubs, student government, choir, band, and intramural/intercollegiate athletics. Students have an opportunity to put the leadership skills that they learn in classes to practical use by serving on the Whitney Young Student Council. The Council was originally created by student initiative and organizes service and social events and acts as a forum for student suggestions and concerns.
Studies students take part in all activities of the University, such as social and academic clubs, student government, choir, band, and intramural/intercollegiate athletics. Students have an opportunity to put the leadership skills that they learn in classes to practical use by serving on the Whitney Young Student Council. The Council was originally created by student initiative and organizes service and social events and acts as a forum for student suggestions and concerns.
TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Students seeking teacher certification who successfully complete the 48 semester credit hour honors core through the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies also fulfill the University's Liberal Studies Requirement for all Teacher Education Certification programs. It should be noted that in addition to the 48 semester credit hour honors core, students seeking teacher certification must also enroll in HED 221 (Personal Health and Lifetime Fitness) to complete all requirements as outlined and approved by the Kentucky Department of Education. All other courses for certification will be taken through the School of Education of the College of Professional Studies, as outlined in the major program. The 48 semester credit hour honors core fulfills the University's Liberal Studies Requirements for all the Teacher Education Certification programs. Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies students participating in the Teacher Education Program have advisors in both the School of Honors and the School of Education to ensure that they take appropriate electives and develop an integrated and cohesive program of study.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
KSU graduates applying to professional schools have the advantage of coming from an institution that emphasizes the liberal studies foundation in addition to specialized training. It is very important for students contemplating graduate school to continue their pursuit of liberal studies into the junior and senior years with the goal of achieving a liberal studies major or minor, even in conjunction with a specialized major. Among the selection criteria mentioned by the UK medical school is the following (1997-1998 University of Kentucky Bulletin): “Often the physician’s ability to communicate effectively will determine the degree of success in the diagnosis and management of a patient’s health.... Thus, consideration is given to the communication skills demonstrated by each applicant. Communication is a two-way process and involves the ability to listen perceptively, as well as to speak and write clearly.” Regarding “Prelegal Study,” the UK Law School has written that legal education “is not a technical or