DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
THE CORE CURRICULUM
The notion of a Core Curriculum is rooted in a Christian understanding of humanity. As bearers of God's image, humans were created to be thinking, valuing, culture-forming beings. The traits that a Core Curriculum seeks to instill-a deeper understanding of creation and culture, a sharpened intellect, a broadened imagination-enhance our ability to glorify our Creator. In short, liberally-educated Christians are better prepared to be image-bearers of God and effective agents of God's Kingdom in today's world.
A Core Curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences, therefore, plays a central role in John Brown University. While not necessarily more important than other facets of the university (such as major and minor fields of study, chapel, co-curricular opportunities, and residence life), the Core Curriculum provides a common base of educational experience for all students and draws connections between the various fields of study that students will explore.
Goals of the John Brown University Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum seeks to equip students to . . .
HEAD
1. Apply biblical truth and a Christian worldview to all areas of study.
2. Appreciate the complexity and diversity of creation and culture.
3. Understand and apply multiple approaches to discovering truth.
4. Critically evaluate ideas and arguments.
5. Communicate effectively in speech and in writing.
6. Discern and appreciate beauty in the arts and sciences.
7. Draw connections between various subjects of study.
8. Become lifelong learners.
HEART
9. Develop a mature, discerning Christian faith.
10. Demonstrate Christian character in all areas of life.
11. Build and nurture healthy relationships.
12. Understand and practice emotional maturity.
HAND
13. Serve others.
14. Practice Christian stewardship of their bodies, time, and other resources.
15. Apply Christian ethics to society and the environment.
16. Participate through their vocation in God's creative and redemptive purposes in the world.
In order to accomplish these goals, the Core Curriculum seeks a middle ground between the extremes of a common Core and a cafeteria system. Its basic philosophy is to provide all students with a common set of Core classes during their early years, allow them to choose from a variety of courses within basic subject areas during their middle years, and culminate their college experience with a series of upper-level common courses, as shown below.
Core Curriculum Courses
1. Lower-Level Core Classes - 25 hours
COR 1002 Gateway Seminar in Christian Scholarship
EGL 1013 English I: Composition
EGL 1023 English II: Literary Analysis and Research
HST 1013 Western Civilization I
HST 1023 Western Civilization II
2. Elective Core - 19-22 hours
Students select from among the approved course offerings that satisfy requirements in the following areas. These offerings are subject to change as new courses are developed. Students should consult the online catalog for the most current list.
KIN 1021-91 Wellness Activity Courses
• Natural Science - 6 hours (students select three hours from Life Sciences and three hours from Physical Sciences)
CHM 1014 Fundamentals of Chemistry
PHY 1114 Fundamentals of Physics I
MTH 2003 Introduction to Statistics
MTH 2103 Applied Statistics for Scientists
PSY 2383 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
POL 3003 Political Philosophy (or RPH 3013)
RPH 3003 Introduction to Philosophy
ART 2163 Irish Art and Culture
ART 2233 Art History I (Applies to Visual Arts majors or minors only)
ART 2333 Art, Design, and Creativity
MUS 1203 Liberal Arts Foundations for the Musician
MUS 2003 The Arts in Western Culture
MUS 2083 Masterpieces of Music
ECN 2113 Principles of Microeconomics
ECN 2123 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 2533 Economics and Society of Central America
ECN 2543 Economics and Society of Ireland
ED 2143 Learning Theories and Developmental Psychology
FAM 2123 Psychology of Relationship Development
LS 3173 Introduction to Linguistics
PSY 1013 Introductory Psychology
BBL 3583 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ECN 4103 International Economics
EN 3513 International Problem Solving
HST 3443 The Modern Middle East
HST 3473 African Civilization since 1850
ICS 2991/93 1Study Abroad Experience
ICS 3173 Selected Topic: History and Culture of Ireland
ICS 4113 Intercultural Family Seminar
INT/MGT 2183 International Management
INT/MKT 3153 International Marketing
LS 1593 Introduction to Latin America
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
SST 1143 World Regional Geography
> Three hours of intermediate-level modern foreign language
> A four-week minimum study abroad program
> A cross-cultural internship as determined by one's major or minor
3. Upper-Division Core Classes - 8 hours
BBL 4002 Capstone Seminar in Christian Life
EGL 4003 Masterpieces of Literature
1Students who plan to spend a minimum of four weeks in a cross-cultural experience may take ICS 2991/93 Study Abroad Experience as an Independent Study course to fulfill their Global Studies requirement. The student must arrange to complete ICS 2991/93 before participating in the cross-cultural experience. Further information is available through the International Programs Office.
Global Studies Exemptions
International students are exempt from the Global Studies requirement. Students from the United States who have significant cross-cultural life experiences may qualify for Global Studies exemption. Students should consult the Global Studies Exemption form on the JBU web site to determine if they have sufficient cross-cultural experience to apply for exemption.
Sequencing of Core Curriculum Courses
The Core Curriculum is designed to function as an interrelated whole. Thus the courses are sequenced, with some serving as prerequisites to others. Instructors in upper-level courses are able to assume a base of knowledge and understanding and use that as a foundation on which to build. In particular, the Gateway Seminar in Christian Scholarship introduces students to the Core Curriculum and establishes a Christian framework for education. The Capstone Seminar in Christian Life culminates the Core Curriculum experience and prepares students to be active participants in the Kingdom of God. Thus, the Capstone Seminar must be taken at John Brown University.
Core Curriculum Course Exemptions
Students in some degree programs that are subject to external accreditation requirements are granted exemptions to certain Core Curriculum courses. All such exemptions are listed in the catalog section pertaining to the particular degree program.
The Co-Curriculum
Complementary to and supportive of the Core Curriculum is the Co-Curriculum. The Core and Co-Curriculum have many of the same goals, some of which, especially those of the spiritual, social, and emotional dimensions, are more strongly addressed through the Co-Curriculum. Co-curricular components include Freshman Orientation, the Chapel program, student organizations (e.g., SGA, Cause Ministries, Residence Hall Associations, growth and support groups (Passion), lectureships and other special events, counseling, the Career Development Center, the Academic Assistance Program, forums, and other out-of-class programs presented by the faculty and staff, the Lyceum Artists Series, intramural sports, Residence Life programs, programming for married students, the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics, the Center for Relationship Enrichment, and the student leadership programs.
The Core Curriculum and Co-Curriculum are mutually reinforcing and interdependent.
