The
foundation for intellectual growth at Salve Regina is the Core Curriculum, a
thought-provoking program of required courses that foster discussion and lively
debate. Along with the wide array of professional academic disciplines
available, the Core Curriculum further encourages students to promote the
University Mission by becoming lifelong learners working for a world that is
harmonious, just and merciful.
The
Core Curriculum provides readings and experiences designed to inspired students
to address large, general ideas and issues within the context of the heritage
of the founding Sisters of Mercy. Every student will be encouraged to be a
responsible world citizen who is ready to take concrete action to promote human
dignity, social justice, and sustainable global development and is also ready
to assume the responsibilities of a citizen in his or her nation.
Common Core Courses
The
common core is a series of four courses that are taken over the first two years
and a capstone experience that is taken in the senior year. The common core
course descriptions are:
GST 150: Seeking Wisdom: From Wonder to
Justice
Portal course, taken in the first year
First-year students at Salve Regina
University are beginning a journey toward a lifetime of learning and
responsible citizenship in a global context. This portal course helps begin
that journey, one which requires both liberal arts skills and a commitment to
explore perennial moral and spiritual questions faced by humanity. Throughout
history and across cultures, human beings have attempted to answer these great
questions in images, ideas and actions. Using a text-based, writing intensive
approach, this course will enable students to enter into dialogue with some of
the most powerful and provocative answers ever given, answers that, for many,
have been doors to wisdom. In the process, students will join their fellow
human beings across time and culture in this search for wisdom.
ENG 150: What it Means to Be Human
Literature course, taken in the first year
In this course students will read,
analyze, discuss and write about major literary texts which are selected for
their moral, spiritual and intellectual richness. This is a writing intensive
course.
RST 210: Christianity in Dialogue with
World Religions
Religion course, taken in the sophomore year
Responsible
citizens of the world need to understand religious viewpoints since religious
faith is the source of most world views, which both shape and are shaped by
culture. This course is designed to explore the dialogue between Christianity
and the other great religions of the world. Emphasis will be placed on how the
adherents of religious traditions understand themselves and address certain
issues in our contemporary world such as justice, reconciliation and peace.
PHL 220: Philosophy and Responsibility
Philosophy course, taken in the sophomore year
In
the light of classic philosophical texts, students examine various ethical
treatments of personal and social responsibility, the nature of community, as
well as the challenges inherent in working for a world which is harmonious,
just and merciful.
GST450: Capstone Experience: Living
Wisdom, Contemporary Challenges
Taken
in the senior year
As
the capstone of Salve Regina's Core Curriculum, this course encourages students
to integrate their undergraduate experience and look toward their future with
thoughtfulness, sensitivity and openness. Using the liberal arts skills of
critical reading, discussion, analysis and writing, this course will challenge
students to address issues of personal development as well as social concerns
in ways that reflect the mission of the University. Required readings will
engage personal, social, philosophical and religious themes.
Core Complement
The
core complement consists of 11 courses in seven academic disciplines. The core
complement is designed to provide students with a broad academic supplement to
the common core courses. Students choose their core complement courses from a
wide range of choices in each of the seven areas over the course of four years.
The core complement requirement is as follows:
- Foreign languages (6 credits)
- Literature (3 credits)
- Religious studies (3 credits)
- Mathematics (3 credits)
- Natural sciences (6 credits)
- Social sciences (9 credits)
- Visual
and performing arts (3 credits)