c o r e c u r r i c u l u mAll students in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the college's core curriculum in order to graduate. The college believes that there are important areas of inquiry with which all students should have experience. The core curriculum is a set of course requirements intended to provide the breadth of experience essential to a well-rounded individual and the broad base of knowledge traditionally associated with a liberal arts education.
All students receive instruction in fundamental English and mathematics. In addition, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree study a foreign language. The core curriculum is meant to complement students' major programs by providing opportunities to explore a range of disciplines in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and mathematics and sciences, as well as to learn the issues, perspectives, and analytical tools used in these domains. The core also familiarizes students with areas and approaches to learning not available strictly through their own major.
Students explore Western cultural history as it has shaped our society and the traditions of non-Western cultures that are becoming increasingly important in an interconnected world. The core curriculum introduces historically important world views, theories, and changes in intellectual history, as well as current issues and problems facing contemporary society.
The core curriculum has the additional function of providing students with crucial skills useful in all areas of study and in future life endeavors. Every course within the core emphasizes writing proficiency, analytical thought, and methods of inquiry. Writing is the key to communication and is necessary for clear thinking and the expression of one's ideas; methods of inquiry comprise ways of learning; and analytical thought comprises logical thinking, which is the construction of valid arguments. Instruction in core courses strives to emphasize all these skills, which provide a firm foundation for the well-educated and intellectually skilled student who will be able to apply his or her talents in any number of fields and undertakings.
The core curriculum consists of six categories:
Category I Basic Skills
- Freshman English (two or three courses depending on placement level up entry to the University)
- College mathematics (one to three courses depending on placement level upon entry to the University)
- Modern language or American Sign Language through Intermediate 2 level (required of all Bachelor of Arts candidates)
Category II Methods of Inquiry
Category III The Western Cultural Heritage
Category IV Alternative Cultures and Societies
Category V Theoretical Perspectives and Changes
Category VI Current Issues in PerspectiveFor placement information on freshman English, college mathematics, or modern languages, students should consult the appropriate department or the Center for Experiential Education and Academic Advising, One Meserve Hall.
Descriptions for all College of Arts and Sciences courses are available. Courses approved for the college's core curriculum are noted in parentheses at the end of the appropriate course descriptions. Students are required to complete courses in each category of the core, depending on the major and degree pursued. The College of Arts and Sciences Guidebook, available in the Center for Experiential Education and Academic Advising in One Meserve Hall, provides a list of courses that may be used to fulfill each category requirement and more specific details on the core curriculum.
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