College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
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| College of Literature, Science, and the Arts | |
|---|---|
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| Name | College of Literature, Science, and the Arts |
| Established | 1841 |
| Type | Liberal arts college |
| Parent | University of Michigan |
| City | Ann Arbor |
| State | Michigan |
| Country | United States |
| Campus | Central Campus |
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. It is the largest undergraduate college at the University of Michigan, forming the historic core of the institution since its founding. The college provides a comprehensive liberal arts education, offering a vast array of majors and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its mission emphasizes critical inquiry, interdisciplinary study, and preparing students for leadership roles in a global society.
History
The college was established in 1841 with the opening of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, making it one of the oldest units of the university. Its early curriculum was influenced by the classical European model but quickly evolved, notably under the presidency of Henry Philip Tappan, who emphasized broad scholarship and scientific inquiry. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded significantly, adding numerous departments and becoming a national leader in fields like political science, psychology, and evolutionary biology. The college has been central to many of the university's defining moments, including student activism during the Vietnam War and advancements in civil rights.
Academics
The college offers over 100 majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs through more than 75 academic departments. It is renowned for its strengths in areas such as economics, English literature, neuroscience, and anthropology. Students engage in research alongside faculty, often through institutes like the Institute for Social Research and the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in the liberal arts, with requirements in areas like race and ethnicity, foreign language, and quantitative reasoning. Distinguished programs include the Honors Program, the Residential College, and the Prison Creative Arts Project.
Campus and facilities
The college is primarily housed on the Central Campus of the University of Michigan. Key instructional and administrative buildings include Angell Hall, Mason Hall, and the Modern Languages Building. Students and faculty utilize world-class resources such as the University of Michigan Library system, including the Shapiro Undergraduate Library and the Hatcher Graduate Library. Scientific research is supported by facilities like the Museum of Natural History and the Biological Sciences Building. The college also manages several off-campus biological stations, including the University of Michigan Biological Station on Douglas Lake.
Student life
Student life is vibrant and diverse, with over 1,600 student organizations, many affiliated with the college's academic interests, such as the Michigan Debate Team and *The Michigan Daily*. The University of Michigan Student Government represents student interests. A rich arts scene is anchored by venues like the Power Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Students participate in longstanding traditions like the Michigan Marching Band and events during Homecoming. Many live in residence halls like South Quadrangle or in the surrounding neighborhoods of Ann Arbor.
Notable alumni and faculty
The college boasts an extensive network of distinguished individuals. Alumni include former U.S. President Gerald Ford, Google co-founder Larry Page, actress Lucy Liu, and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson. Notable former faculty encompass scientists like Thomas Hunt Morgan, linguist Noam Chomsky, and anthropologist Marshall Sahlins. In government, alumni like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Justice Frank Murphy have served. The college's graduates have also won prestigious awards including the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and Academy Awards.