Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts give us an opportunity to explore the human experience through literature, language, history, philosophy, world cultures, and more. Our students take these courses while examining the world through multiple views, being exposed to a variety of thoughts, and gaining insight into their own place within humanity.

For the first time in my life, there were adults who modeled what it meant to live a passionate life of the mind. It was a community of the most concentrated brilliance that I have ever been in in my life.

Garth Greenwell (Arts Academy '94-'96)

Liberal Arts Departments

The study of literature opens students’ eyes to a complex world, exposing them to a multiplicity of views focused on the fullness of life rather than upon any given social, political, or religious orientation. Alongside literature, students explore the power of language and what it means to perceive and formulate meaning. The Interlochen Arts Academy English Department is committed to assisting students as they pursue literary appreciation and language skills, and in doing so, come to a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Core Curriculum

The English as a Language Department offers a curriculum structured to meet the needs of international students who have limited English proficiency. Instructors draw from the best of current linguistic, psychological, and educational research as they support students in second language learning, a process that takes place in the community and in classrooms.

Core Curriculum

Language is the art of communication through behavior, speech, and writing. The study of a world language involves the student in the communication patterns of other cultures.

In an effort to encourage communication, all of the world languages offered at Interlochen are taught exclusively in the target language, and all communication between the teacher and students takes place in the target language—including grammatical explanations and cultural topics. In this way, the language classroom acts as a microcosm of the foreign country. Contextual clues, cognates, gestures, and visual aids assist the learner in understanding without the need to translate to or from his or her native language. Participation at required weekly language tables helps promote meaningful communication in a less structured environment.

Core Curriculum

Instructors in the History and Political Science Department at Interlochen Arts Academy work hard to help stimulate an awareness of the human condition in their students. They teach young artists to apply rational thinking to humanity’s historical, economic, political, and social development. Students learn to thoughtfully consider societal issues as they deepen their knowledge of history and political science and become proficient in the basic skills related to these disciplines.

Core Curriculum

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Meet Our Faculty

Our Liberal Arts instructors are an eclectic group of writers, journalists, travelers, film buffs, choir members, and even former Peace Corps volunteers. What they share is a passion for teaching, a dedication to their subject matter, and an enthusiasm for their students.