Connecting to the Liberal Arts
One aim of a liberal arts education is to encourage students to explore the ways in which learning leads to different ways of thinking within a variety of academic subjects and fosters the development of self as a learner. With this aim in mind, write an essay of 750 words or more about the ways your liberal arts education at Manhattanville College has enabled you to develop as a person and a learner. In your essay, examine choices related to major(s) and minor(s) addressing the interrelatedness of all coursework and extracurricular activities using specific examples.
Please use the following questions to shape your answer:
 Why is your major(s) of interest to you? Why did you choose your minor(s)? Explain
 your choice of these areas of study.
Discuss one or two courses outside of your major that have inspired or impacted you.
Consider how these courses have influenced your preconceived notions and ideas,
 understanding of yourself (e.g., biases and stereotypes), and/or your understanding of your community? In addition to these courses, are there experiences outside of the classroom that have impacted your understanding of self and others? Have these courses impacted your understanding of your major and/or minor?
How have your experiences affected the development and/or re-evaluation of your goals
(e.g., changing major/minor, course selection, research opportunities, career choice, internships, community service, study abroad, extra-curricular activities)?
In your essay, we expect a well-organized, thoughtful response demonstrating your ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely. It is expected that you will work closely with your advisor examining these questions, thinking through your answers and drafting your response.
Please see the Manhattanville Portfolio System website for a rubric describing the expectations for this essay.

C
ONNECTING TO THE
L
IBERAL
A
RTS
R
UBRIC
Adapted from the AAC&U Integrative Learning VALUE Rubric
Definition
Integrative learning is an understanding and a disposition that a student builds across the curriculum and cocurriculum, from making simple connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus.
Outstanding
3
Competent
2
Developing
1
Unsatisfactory
0
Connections to
Experience and
Discipline
Connects relevant experience and academic knowledge
Makes in depth connections between coursework and experiences outside of the formal classroom resulting in a rich
Makes adequate connections between coursework and experiences outside of the formal classroom resulting in an explanation of chosen major and explanation of chosen major minor fields of study acknowledging perspectives and minor fields of study with some examples. other than own using effective examples.
Makes limited connections between coursework and experiences outside of the experiences formal classroom resulting in a partial explanation of chosen outside of the formal classroom. major and minor fields of study
No attempt made to connect coursework and
Reflection and Self-
Assessment
Demonstrates a developing sense of self as a learner, building on prior experiences to respond to new contexts
Evaluates how learning contributed to personal and intellectual growth resulting in changed perceptions and responses in new situations, using effective examples .
A rticulates how learning contributed to increased selfawareness and understanding, using effective examples .
Describes own performances with general descriptors of success and failure.
Limited or no attempt to reflect on own performance.
Language,
Punctuation, and
Grammar
Uses compelling language that skillfully communicates meaning
Uses straightforward language that conveys meaning to to readers with clarity and fluency and is virtually error free in grammar and punctuation. readers. The language in the writing has some errors in punctuation and grammar.
Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage, punctuation, and grammar.
Uses language that often impedes meaning because of errors in usage, punctuation, and grammar.
Notes: A score of “1” or “0” on the Language, Punctuation and Grammar element requires automatic revision.
A score of “0” on any of the other elements requires automatic revision.