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The Core Experience

The Core Experience

´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College believes that college is not just a stepping stone, but a cornerstone to life a student will lead. Here at ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½, we believe in preparing a student not only to earn a degree, but a vocation in the world. From Quest courses designed to level the playing field in college, to Interdisciplinary courses, where we combine disciplines to engage students in complex issues and cross-reference fields outside their majors. These core courses are unique to ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½, and a pillar in our liberal arts education, where our future graduates are prepped across subject matters, teaching styles, and more to not only succeed while on campus, but to represent a bright future of leaders, problem-solvers, and proud alumni of our historic institution.



What makes it unique?


  • Interdisciplinary Exploration: Dive into a world of interconnected knowledge, where you'll uncover links between diverse fields of study and develop a holistic understanding of the human experience.
  • Master the Fundamentals: Sharpen your critical thinking, communication, and information literacy skills, empowering you to analyze complex issues, express yourself with clarity and confidence, and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
  • Values-Based Learning: Immerse yourself in a community that values community engagement, genuine hospitality, servant leadership, the pursuit of excellence, religious literacy, sustainable living, and unwavering integrity.
  • Your introduction to the Core program begins with Quest. Each student takes two Quest courses, the first provides a crash course on adjusting to college life. Freshmen learn essential skills like time management, problem-solving, and academic planning in small groups designed to foster community. Transfers learn about the resources they need to be successful at ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College. The second Quest course prepares students for post-graduation success with job interview training, resume and cover letter writing, and portfolio development. Quest ensures students thrive both during and after their time at ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½.


Interdisciplinary courses lay the groundwork for academic success at ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College. These courses are popular with students because they foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to diverse careers. Interdisciplinary courses pair professors from different fields to explore a theme or world issue, broadening learning opportunities. In a world where many students change majors,

interdisciplinary courses help students explore potential career paths and connect with different fields of study.



Through the Core Experience, you will:


  • Emerge as a well-rounded individual: Ready to excel in your personal and professional life.
  • Build an unshakeable foundation for academic success: Prepared to conquer advanced coursework and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.
  • Become a leader and a changemaker: Equipped to make a lasting impact on your community and the world.


Join the ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College community and embark on a transformative adventure of learning, growth, and self-discovery!


The Core Experience

The ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College Core Experience is so much more than just a list of required classes.  It is comprehensive program that combines interdisciplinary, academic, and co-curricular endeavors, to engage students in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and curiosity necessary to lead lives integrating faith, learning, and service; as well as supply a solid, shared base of experience for each student to build the rest of their academic experience upon. It is also possible to expand the ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ Core Experience into our General Studies Major.

Interdisciplinary Experience
The ´óÏ㽶µ¼º½ College Core Experience is an interdisciplinary endeavor. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning styles as they discover and understand connections across disciplines. The interdisciplinary courses will address the following foundational competencies: Discovery and Integration; Communication; Critical, Analytical and Creative Reasoning; Information and Technical Literacy; and Religious Literacy. With this comprehensive approach to the competencies and their respective learning outcomes, students will be able to demonstrate growth in fundamental intellectual skills. Specifically this includes:


Discovery and Integration:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to discover and apply connections among disciplines, use appropriate questioning and interactive skills, and collaborate successfully on projects.

 

Critical, Analytical, and Creative Reasoning:

  • Students will identify, understand and use qualitative and numerical arguments in everyday contexts, and analyze and reflect on issues from diverse cultural perspectives.

 

Information and Technical Literacy:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to access and deliver information ethically and legally using technologies, and evaluate the credibility of various forms of information.

 

Communication:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to speak and write effectively and thoughtfully with purpose, clarity and accuracy.

 

Religious Literacy:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the socio-historical significance of Christianity, critically engage texts and practices across distinct religious orientations, and articulate a responsibility for the well being of our neighbors.

General Studies Major

Mission Statement:

The mission of the General Studies program is to provide students with a diverse and flexible program of study that will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of career opportunities.



Student Learning Outcomes:


  • Students will develop career goals through the development of an academic plan in their chosen field of study. (Academic Plan worksheet)


  • Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills through academic inquiry across disciplines. (Completion of the Core courses for the General Studies Major/Senior Project).


  • Students will develop a Senior Project that incorporates and synthesizes the knowledge gained through the completion of the areas of study in the General Studies Major. (Senior Project - ePortfolio artifact)


For information about specific courses related to this major, check the College Catalog

Begin the journey down your path.

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