Gonzaga University’s Core sits at the center of every student’s education. Grounded in our Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic mission, the core enriches each student’s major area of study. So whether you are studying science, business, education, or the humanities, the core will extend your education in vital ways. In fact, employers tell us that a well-rounded education makes Gonzaga graduates particularly attractive.
“Violence and the Humanities,” “The Art and Science of Dance,” and “Freaks, Geeks, and Outsiders” are just three of the First-Year Seminars that will be introduced this fall as part of our newly revised core curriculum. All new Gonzaga students (freshmen and transfer students) will take a First-Year Seminar, in which they will explore a topic from multiple disciplines. The seminar format of this course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
As shown in the graphic above, the new core is anchored by an overarching question and structured around yearly themes and questions to provide an integrated educational experience. First-year courses, including the new First-Year Seminar, emphasize foundational knowledge and competencies. Second- and third-year courses focus on philosophy and religious studies, essential elements of a rich, Jesuit education. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, provides a capstone core experience. Broadening courses, taken at any time during the four years, extend students’ appreciation for the arts, humanities, and social/behavioral sciences. Courses designated as writing enriched, global studies, and social justice, taken throughout the core and the major, reinforce important knowledge and competencies.
Through Gonzaga’s core, each student will receive a well-rounded and holistic education that will prepare them for whatever field they go into. By connecting and grounding the University Core to our Mission statement, we are able to see our mission lived out in each student.
Questions: Please contact Dr. Molly Kretchmar-Hendricks, University Core Director (kretchmar@gonzaga.edu; 509-313-3600)