Changing World, Changing CORE

They're our general education requirements, the common set of curriculum taken by all students, the classes that represent our "core" values. It's our core curriculum. And it's changing.

Butler University is in the process of reshaping the core, switching from a discipline-based model (taking classes in specific areas such as biology, chemistry and psychology) to one that's based on a set of faculty-approved learning objectives. The idea, said Associate Provost Joe Kirsch, is "to better define what outcomes you want, rather than just offering exposure to the disciplinary material."

The changes are many—details can be found elsewhere on this site—but highlights include:

• The introduction of new "pilot" classes this year, which will be offered in addition to standard core courses. A first-year seminar that integrates reading, writing and speaking, for example, which can substitute for the standard English 102/ID 103 and SH 102 courses.
• Several new requirements, including Speaking Across the Curriculum, the Butler Cultural Community Requirement (attending eight events on campus during their undergraduate career) and the Indianapolis Community Requirement (taking one course that involves active participation in the city).

In addition, students will have four years to complete core courses, rather than finishing them by the end of their sophomore year, as most do now. The new core also will conclude with a capstone course that will integrate learning goals.

"Every university should look at its curriculum all the time," Kirsch said, "and from time to time, you make a major thrust forward to make sure that curriculum is contemporary."