University Core Courses

Within the undergraduate core curriculum, there are a number of classes that all students take during their course of study. These core courses are designed to link the curriculum/co-curriculum to the values and mission of the University. Many of the courses in the core curriculum are team-taught, providing an interdisciplinary approach to the readings, lectures, and class discussions. Class assignments involve students in community-based learning that links the academic material with social action. In the core curriculum, students develop competencies in writing, oral communication, computer skills, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking.

On an ongoing basis, the University will offer upper-division core courses with the “University Interdisciplinary Seminar” title. These courses may vary in content and style, but the common theme of these courses will be to apply the values and mission of the University to a contemporary issue, thereby bringing together threads that have been developed in the lower-division core courses.

Course Descriptions

ID010 First Year Experience (4)

The First Year Experience is an interdisciplinary course that introduces traditional-aged students to the Mission of the University and its core values and competencies.  Students explore their identities as members of local, national, and global multicultural communities through critical reflection and experiental learning activities.  Readings are selected to challenge students' intellectual visions and interests.  Reflection and written and oral communication skills are emphasized.  Leadership and collaboration skills are developed, while enrichment activities correlate residence hall and other campus events with the academic program.  The undergraduate academic portfolio is implemented to document students' continuing development of core competencies and values.

ID021A The Human Heritage: Interdisciplinary Approaches to World Heritages (4)
This course offers an interdisciplinary, multicultural approach to world heritages from Antiquity to 1500, with emphases on history and literature. In the study of past human achievements, students investigate the meaning of history. In conjunction with historical study, students enjoy and appreciate great literary classics. This integrated learning experience encourages all students to develop themselves as whole persons, members of collaborative communities, and contributors to a just society. In addition to attending class, students participate in on-campus and off-campus co-curricular activities, and they continue to develop portfolios.

ID021B The Human Heritage: Interdisciplinary Approaches to World Heritages (4)
A continuation of ID021A, this course offers an interdisciplinary, multicultural approach to world heritages from 1500 to the present, with emphases on history and literature. In the study of past human achievements, students investigate the meaning of history. In conjunction with historical study, students enjoy and appreciate great literary classics. This integrated learning experience encourages all students to develop themselves as whole persons, members of collaborative communities, and contributors to a just society. In addition to attending class, students participate in on-campus and off-campus co-curricular activities, and they continue to develop portfolios.