Program Overview

The Core Curriculum

The Core Curriculum is a fundamental part of the university program, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the liberal arts.

About the Core Curriculum

The Core Curriculum is composed of several components, including the Freshman Program, which is designed to introduce students to the university's academic environment and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their majors.

Freshman Program

The Freshman Program is a unique and enriching experience that allows students to navigate the university's academic environment through a combination of academic classes and extracurricular activities.

Learn in a Community

The Freshman Program features tandem first-semester learning community classes, including the freshman seminar and freshman writing courses (CORE 1010 and RHET 1010), known collectively as 1010. These classes are designed to build academic skills and relationships among students and with the world of ideas around a common theme. Some of the "big questions" themes include:

• Creative Expressions of Resistance
• Filming Differences
• Imagining Exile
• Heroes and Demons
• How Do We Know What's True?
• Advertology
• The Human Quest
• Who Am I?

Extend Thinking and Communication Skills

In addition to the 1010 classes, the Freshman Program includes other Core Curriculum courses, such as:

• Scientific Thinking (SCI 1020)
• Philosophical Thinking (PHIL 2100)
• A research writing course that extends information literacy skills (RHET 1020)

Select Options in the Pathways

Students meet the rest of their Freshman Program Core Curriculum requirements by selecting options in the two Pathways of Learning courses, which are designed for further exploration and discovery within the city of learning.

• Pathways One: Scientific Encounters consists of introductory courses in the sciences.
• Pathways Two: Cultural Explorations include an array of courses in the humanities and social sciences.

Academic Opportunities and Choices

The university offers various academic opportunities and choices, including:

• RHET Courses and Themes
• Core Curriculum
• Undergraduate Research Program

Student Life Outside the Classroom

The university provides a range of resources and services to support student life outside the classroom, including:

• Center for Student Well-Being
• Student Union
• Student Organizations