74
Liberal Studies Core Curriculum LIBERAL STUDIES CORE – THE HEART OF THE “ONE GANNON STUDENT” EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE The importance of liberal education for living a good life, participating in meaningful work, and engaging in active citizenship permeates the university traditions of both Catholicism and the United States. Situated within both traditions, Gannon University’s heritage and identity, which includes Villa Maria College and Cathedral College, are manifest through its dedication to providing quality liberal education. Today, Gannon continues its long tradition of delivering a quality Liberal Education for its students through “a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility” that is “inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.” (Gannon University Mission Statement). The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum establishes a curricular structure that seeks to enhance the student’s academic experience and integrate a student’s academic experience with life, career, and citizenship. The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum is designed to 1) better connect with a student’s major/program and career; 2) more fully integrate the present-day experience, concerns, and interests of the student with Liberal Studies courses; 3) allow the student greater flexibility when choosing courses; and 4) support obtaining a minor using the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum. The Liberal Studies Core shares the Gannon University Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes (the educational goals the university hopes to encourage every undergraduate student to achieve, regardless of major field of study): 1. Students apply themes of Catholic Social Teaching and the dimensions of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. 2. Students demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skills in academic disciplines. 3. Students communicate effectively through various means. 4. Students demonstrate aesthetic, quantitative, and scientific reasoning. 5. Students synthesize their academic learning with learning outside the classroom. 6. Students demonstrate a holistic understanding of wellness. 7. Students apply value-centered leadership skills. 8. Students demonstrate intercultural competence and self-awareness. 9. Students demonstrate social responsibility. Overview of the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum Building upon the above fundamental sources of authority, the Liberal Studies Core provides a curriculum that supports the opportunity for students to develop broad knowledge (the attainment of facts, truths, or principles through study or investigation of a science, art or technique), skills (the ability to use one’s knowledge gained through academic and co-academic learning experiences in practice), and competencies (the demonstration of sufficient possession and application of acquired knowledge and skills). The Foundational Core provides the initial critical knowledge, skills, and competencies for integrated learning across disciplines and within a student’s area of study. The foundational core will be required in a student’s first year of study and provides a common starting point for engaging with Liberal Education at a Catholic University. In particular, each student will develop foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies in writing and communication, critical thinking, ethics, faith and reason, and Catholic Social Teaching. The Foundational Core consists of three prescribed course. The Integrative Core supports learning across the curriculum by connecting, synthesizing, and transferring knowledge, skills, and competencies
