Kuyper Scholars Program info sheet

KUYPER SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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What is it?

The Kuyper Scholars Program, an honors program for academically gifted and highly motivated students, is designed to provide scholarly challenges beyond the regular curriculum and to develop a cohort of Christian scholars within the larger Dordt community.

This program in Christian scholarship emphasizes interdisciplinary and theoretical work with seminar participation and leadership. As such, the program not only prepares academically gifted students to become leaders in cultural renewal but also works to advance the academic atmosphere at Dordt College.

To reach their goals, participating students work closely with their Kuyper Scholars Program advisors and faculty mentors from across the institution.

This program takes its name from the Dutch theologian, educator, journalist, and political leader Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), who embodied what it is to be a Christian scholar and leader.

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM Admission to the Kuyper Scholars Program is offered to students who show potential for academic excellence in pursuing Christian scholarship as service in God’s kingdom through the following: • A high school GPA of at least 3.5.

• A composite ACT score of at least 28 (or SAT equivalent).

• An entrance essay.

• Two letters of recommendation.

Admission after at least one semester of college requires a 3.25 college GPA, as well as the entrance essay and college faculty recommendations.

Applications are accepted from November 15 through February 15. Application materials can be obtained from the admissions office or the Kuyper Scholars Program website.

To remain in the Kuyper Scholars Program, students maintain a 3.25 GPA and demonstrate active participation. Students in the Kuyper Scholars Program receive an annual $2,000 Kuyper Scholarship.

PROGRAM GOALS

COURSE REQUIREMENTS The Kuyper Scholars Program is designed to fit with every major at Dordt College. To complete the KSP minor, students take the following courses, some of which satisfy the Core and major requirements:

Students who enroll in the Kuyper Scholars program will:

18 KSP credits in these areas:

• Develop their understanding of integral Christian scholarship.

• KSP 151: Rhetoric & Christian Scholarship (Four-credit course that meets Core Program requirements).

• Increase their ability to do interdisciplinary, theoretical, and collaborative scholarly work.

• KSP 110: Presenting a minimum of eight Scholars Seminars.

• KSP 120: Attending and participating in discussion in at least eight Scholars Seminars.

• Identify and cultivate their scholarly gifts.

• KSP 220: Leading at least two scholars seminars.

• KSP 291-293: Scholars Contracts in regular courses (students receive both the Kuyper Scholars Program credits and the regular course credits).

• Develop a Kuyperian sense that scholarly work is a calling in God’s kingdom.

• KSP 230: Learning Portfolio.

• Develop critical-thinking, argumentation, writing, and public-speaking skills.

• KSP 381-386: Group Scholars Projects.

• KSP 391-396: Individual Scholars Projects.

Statistics 131, or Math 151 or higher (meets quantitative reasoning Core Program requirement).

This sequence of courses starts with the KSP 151, an introduction to Christian scholarship, critical reading/thinking, composition, research, and communication—skills used throughout the program. Building on this foundational course, students in the Kuyper Scholars Program conduct original research under the mentorship of faculty via contracts and projects. Their projects are presented in Scholars Seminars involving peers and faculty; at Ideafest, the college-wide research symposium; or at regional and national conferences. Through Scholars Seminars, students also engage in a critical analysis of events and issues. Kuyper Scholars are also invited to weekly coffee socials, special dinners, off-campus arts events, study-abroad and off-campus programs, .

STUDENTS AFFIRM PROGRAM

Robert Minto, a 2011 Dordt College graduate and former Kuyper Scholar, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy, offered this advice to a student considering a Kuyper scholarship: “Don’t think, don’t hesitate—take it! Apart from the handy extra scholarship money, the program is worth being part of.

You’ll enjoy doing extra, personal research anyway, so this program is an opportunity to share it and to get credit for it.”

Minto adds that this community of scholars from different disciplines stretches you and deepens you, offering the opportunity to study personal and unique interests through contracts and independent studies.

KSP also introduced Minto to many students with similar scholarly interests, “including my girlfriend (now wife).”

Jacob Kroeze is a 2010 graduate and Kuyper Scholar who endorsed the program. This Spanish secondary education major said, “I have learned to be self-motivated by discovering what academic areas I am most excited and willing to learn more about.”

Kroeze adds, “Professor Dengler is very personable and gives nearly complete control of projects to students, while guiding them toward a final product that can be shared with the whole community.”

QUESTIONS?

Questions related to the Kuyper Scholars Program can be directed to its co-directors, Dr. Mary Dengler and Dr. Carl Fictorie. We are especially eager to hear from students who are considering whether scholarly work may be their particular calling.

For additional information see www.dordt.edu/ksp or contact us at September 2015

Carl.Fictorie@dordt.edu or

Mary.Dengler@dordt.edu