Centre's General Education Committee is tasked with leading efforts to communicate about the General Education curriculum and to assess its effectiveness. Results of these assessments are shared with the College's faculty and will inform the deliberations of the Committee on Curriculum and Academic Standards in its role of proposing policies to the Faculty regarding the curriculum.
Students began learning in this curriculum in the fall of 2020.
General Education Rationale and Requirements
Catalog language outlining the central components and specific requirements of the General Education Curriculum can be accessed here.
General education at Centre will prepare students to communicate effectively in a variety of modes. First-year seminar courses (DLM 110 and 120) emphasize written and oral communication, and also provide a foundation in information literacy and visual communication. A college-level math course develops quantitative literacy and problem-solving skills. At least one college-level course in a second language will build language and cross-cultural communication skills. Together, the Communication requirements form a shared foundation that will prepare students to succeed in the rest of their coursework at Centre.
The general education curriculum introduces students to the breadth and richness of the liberal arts and helps students learn how to learn as they approach the world through a variety of different perspectives. Students explore the arts and humanities, social studies, and the sciences and math by taking two exploration courses in each of these three categories. Students also explore essential questions of sustainability and perspectives on difference and equity by taking one course in each area. Exploration courses prepare students for lifelong learning, introduce them to critical and creative thinking from a variety of perspectives, and allow them to place their area of specialization within a broader context.
Students also have the opportunity to experience the world through our Connection requirements. Building on Centre's commitment to experiential learning, students have the option to choose two experiential courses where they can apply what they learn and practice their chosen disciplines. Options include courses in arts engagement such as studio art, theater, creative writing, or music; community-based courses; global engagement courses including study abroad; internships; or undergraduate research experiences.
Finally, the general education capstone (DLM 310) brings together students with different majors in an interdisciplinary group to study pressing questions and topics. The capstone provides an opportunity for students to apply what they've learned, collaborate with colleagues who have different training and perspectives, and to develop nuanced, interdisciplinary perspectives on a range of topics.
This table summarizes our general education curriculum and requirements:
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COMMUNICATION
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HOURS
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Doctrina Lux Mentis I & II
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2
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DLM 110-1, DLM 110-2, DLM 110-3, DLM 110-4
DLM 120-1, DLM 120-2, DLM 120-3, DLM 120-4
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6
|
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Second Language
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1-2 from Languages:
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ARB, CHN, FRE, GER, JPN, LAT, SPA 110 or GRK 111;
ARB, CHN, FRE, GER, JPN, LAT, SPA 120 or GRK 121;
ARB, CHN, FRE, GER, GRK, JPN, LAT, SPA 200+
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3 - 8
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Mathematics
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1 from
Mathematics:
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MAT (students may satisfy this requirement with a college-level math course or a score of 4 or 5 on Calc or Stats AP exam)
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3
|
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EXPLORATION
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|
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HOURS
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Arts & Humanities
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2 from
Arts & Humanities:
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Two courses from two different disciplines
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6
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Social
Studies
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2 from
Social Studies:
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Two courses from two different disciplines
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6
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Science & Mathematics
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2 from
Science & Mathematics:
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Two courses from two different disciplines, at least one with lab
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7-8
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CONNECTION*
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|
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HOURS
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Experiential Learning
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2 courses
(Courses could be major, minor, or elective courses; students cannot count the same course toward both an Exploration requirement and an Experiential Learning requirement)
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Arts Engagement (A): Students create, perform, respond and connect through artistic practice.
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4-8
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Global Engagement (G): Students practice skills and acquire knowledge while immersed in a community beyond their own, with the goals of enhanced cultural sensitivity and broader global understanding.
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Community-Based Learning (C): Students apply skills and knowledge to field-based experiences with community partners.
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Mentored Research (R): Students, guided by a faculty member, apply skills and knowledge with the goal of making an original contribution to a discipline.
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Internships (INT 400): Students connect skills and knowledge from the classroom to the world of work.
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Sustainability
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1 course*
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Sustainability (S): Students will understand environmental sustainability and the interdependence of social and ecological communities.
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0-4
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Difference and Equity
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1 course*
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Difference and Equity (D): Students will develop and practice skills necessary for effective and respectful engagement within or among local, national, or global communities.
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0-4
|
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CAPSTONE
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|
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HOURS
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Doctrina Lux Mentis III
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1 course
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DLM 310: Connections & Interdisciplinary Thinking. Students will explore complex issue(s) informed by perspectives, scholarship and theories drawn from multiple disciplines.
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3
|
|
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TOTAL
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38 - 56
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*Sustainability and Difference and Equity requirements may be fulfilled by Exploration, major, minor, or elective courses