About Liberal Arts

In addition to its studio disciplines, the idea of “the arts” at RISD also encompasses the humanities and social science fields that make up the liberal arts. Established as an academic division in 1940, today Liberal Arts teaches RISD students the communication and critical inquiry skills essential to creative practice, as well as an understanding of life’s aesthetic and ethical dimensions.

Liberal Arts departments and programs

Latinx student in orange scarf giving a poetry reading.
Global Arts and Cultures (GAC)

Uniting the humanities and social sciences with studies in visual, performative and literary arts, this interdisciplinary graduate program fosters inquiry into making in relation to systems of power and resistance.

close up of student analyzing a work of art in a liberal arts environment
History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences (HPSS)

The HPSS department offers a range of courses on the nature of human life, past and present. The curriculum spans many disciplines, from anthropology and religion to political science and American studies.

Students-sitting-around-table-during-LAS-class.
Literary Arts and Studies (LAS)

The courses students take in the LAS department give a basis for engaging in culture as artists, designers, writers, performers and citizens.

Student in field of flowers doing research.
Nature–Culture–Sustainability Studies (NCSS)

An NCSS concentration provides an opportunity for students to shape individualized courses of study focused on environmental issues, within the context of art and design education.

a RISD student working with young children in a classroom setting
Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD)

Offering a Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), this graduate-level department fosters innovative teaching in art and design within and beyond traditional education settings.

Student taking notes amongs stacks of paintings in a museum.
Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD)

Spanning time periods and embracing diverse perspectives, THAD department courses offer a deeper understanding of artistic expression across cultures and throughout history.

A timeline of the division

From as early as 1901, when students in architecture and modeling programs were required to take courses in art history and English, to 1956, when RISD leaders cited the importance of the humanities in training students for leadership in their fields, liberal arts courses have played a significant role in the RISD curriculum. 

(For a brief visual history of Liberal Arts at RISD, scroll through the images below and click the “I” at the upper-right corner of each frame.)

Black and white image of the Liberal Arts class of 1902 from the RISD Archives.
Black and white view of the inside of the old library college building from 1936.
Black and white image of RISD President John R. Frazier in the Studio of Thomas Atkins, sculptor and teacher at RISD.
Black and white view of the circulation desk in the former library from RISD Archives.
Black and white view of Radeke Memorial Garden from 1934 from the RISD Archives.
View of pedestrians walking by Old Stone Bank in 1984 by Harry Callahan.

Get to know RISD

A group of people are listening at an event in RISD auditorium.
Liberal Arts Graduate Programs

In our graduate-level programs, you acquire and develop diverse multidisciplinary methodologies at the intersection of the humanities, social sciences and art and design practices.

Streetview of the old college building.
Liberal Arts Advising

Learn about how your Liberal Arts advisor can support you at RISD, including how to navigate course requirements and explore Liberal Arts concentrations.