Key Components

First Year Seminar

Course Structure: A two-semester sequence taken in the first year.

Learning Objectives:

• To reflect on “big questions” about themselves, their community and their world.
• To develop the capacity to read and think critically.
• To develop the capacity to write clear and persuasive expository and argumentative essays, with an emphasis on thesis formation and development.
• To develop the capacity for effective oral communication and gain an understanding of basic principles of oral communication as they apply to discussion.
• To understand the liberal arts as a vital and evolving tradition and to see themselves as agents within that tradition.
• To develop capacities for careful and open reflection on questions of values and norms.
• To develop the ability to carry out research for the purpose of inquiry and to support claims.

Global and Historical Studies

Course Structure: Two courses taken in the second year, chosen from a list of three-hour courses.

Learning objectives:

• To engage in investigation of and reflection about cultures different from their own, especially non-western cultures.
• To explore these cultures using a variety of sources and disciplines – including the arts, literature, religion, philosophy, geography, anthropology, and social and political history.
• To recognize both the value of and challenges raised by cultural diversity.
• To continue development of skills of expository writing.