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Core Curriculum for Bachelor Degree Programs
The core curriculum, common to the bachelor degree programs offered by Saint Peter’s College, provides opportunities for study in a variety of disciplines. The basic purpose of the core is to address issues intrinsic to a humane education through a liberal arts program committed to the pursuit of knowledge in its fundamental unity, intelligently appreciative of a common cultural heritage, conscious of social and moral obligations, and respectful of the traditions of the Judeo-Christian value system and of Jesuit education.
The objectives of the core curriculum, achieved through study of the humanities, the natural and social sciences, the fine arts, philosophy, and theology, are fundamental to the development of the well-educated person. Through the core curriculum students will be expected to:
Achieve proficiency in written and oral communication that includes the abilities to:
- use correct grammar and mechanics in appropriately varied syntax; and
- formulate a thesis and support it through sound logical arguments appropriately organized.
Develop an understanding of analytic reasoning and data interpretation based on the ability to:
- discover and formulate problems and synthesize solutions;
- think critically and reason logically; and
- employ basic research methods to retrieve, assess and evaluate information.
Explore humanistic and social perspectives in order to:
- appreciate the aesthetic dimensions of human existence;
- identify ideas and events that have shaped civilizations;
- analyze relationships of individuals to groups and communities;
- explain the implications and responsibilities of living in a diverse and global society; and
- recognize the scientific process and impact of science and technology on the physical world and on societies.
Demonstrate leadership potential based on the ability to:
- recognize the ethical dimensions of one’s political, social, aesthetic and personal experiences;
- exercise responsible and productive citizenship.
Through these competencies, students will develop the foundations necessary for the specialized courses in their major, for success in their future careers, and for a lifetime of learning.
The core curriculum for the Bachelor’s degree consists of 60 credits (57 specified credits plus a 3 credit Values course). Suggested sequences for taking the core curriculum are provided in the “department section” of the catalog for many of the major programs.
All freshmen must register for courses in English composition and mathematics, based on their placement test results, in the first semester of enrollment. Students who do not complete these requirements satisfactorily and in a timely fashion may be subjected to restricted registration. More specific information is available from\ faculty advisors and the deans.
The waiver of any core curriculum requirement can be granted only through the office of the dean.
Core Requirements
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Special Notes
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Composition (3 credits)
Cm115, 116, 117, or 119
Introduction to English Composition, II or Cm120 English Composition
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The appropriate level of composition course is determined by a placement test. The prerequisites for Cm115, 116, 117, or 119 are Cm104, 105, 106, or 108 Introduction to English Composition, I, respectively. The prerequisite may be applied towards open electives but may not be used for core credit. Some students may be required to take Cm001 Basic Writing or Cm002 Basic English (no credit) before registering for Cm104, 105, 106, or 108. All students placed in Cm108, and some placed in Cm001, must take Cm050 English Conversation. |
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Literature (6 credits)
El123 Forms of Literature: Poetry and Drama
El134 Forms of Literature: Fiction
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As/El359 The Literature of Black America may be substituted for El134. |
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World Languages and Literature (6 credits)
One six-credit, concurrent (e.g., parts I and II must be taken in the same year) sequence in a modern or classical language on the elementary or intermediate level (numeration under 200), or any two upper-level courses (numeration over 200), Romance Language Synthesis, I and II - taken concurrently (when offered), or a six-credit, concurrent sequence in American Sign Language at any level (when offered).
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The appropriate level is determined by the department, based on previous language study and/or by a placement test. The Core Requirement may not be fulfilled with courses designated as "Classical Civilization" (CC) or "Modern Language" (ML). |
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Fine Arts (3 credits)
Ar127 Introduction to Visual Arts or
Ar128 Introduction to Music
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History (6 credits)
Hs121 The Western Tradition
Hs122 World Perspectives in History
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Social Sciences (6 credits)
Choose two of the following:
Ec100 Introduction to Economics or
Ec101 Macroeconomic Principles,
Po100 Perspectives on Politics,
So121 Introductory Sociology,
Ur151 The Contemporary City
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Po100, Ur151 and So121 may fulfill the requirement for students enrolled in the School of Business Administration. (Two of the three must be taken.)
Two courses from two of the four subject areas (Economics, Political Science, Sociology or Urban Studies) will satisfy the social science requirement for students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. Majors in one of the social sciences must select two courses outside the major to fulfill the core requirements.
For students in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies, the choice of courses in Social Sciences will depend on degree and concentration.
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Mathematics (6-8 credits)
Ma102-103 Mathematics for the Humanities, I and II (6 credits) or
Ma105-106 Finite Mathematics, I and II (6 credits) or
Ma123-124 Elementary Calculus, I and II (6 credits) or
Ma143-144 Differential and Integral Calculus (8 credits)
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Depending on the major, students will be required to take either finite mathematics or calculus. Students who are majoring in one of the humanities disciplines may fulfill the requirement by taking Ma102 or Ma105 and Ma103 or Ma106.
Students who do not demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency, based on the results of a placement exam, will be required to take an appropriate developmental math course.
Insufficiently prepared finite math-bound students will be required to take Ma001 Introductory Algebra, while calculus-bound students will be required to take either Ma021 College Algebra or both Ma001 and Ma021.
Students in the developmental courses will be required to pass an exit examination to continue on to the next appropriate math course.
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Natural Sciences (9 credits)
Ns110 Scientific Literacy and
One course in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and One course in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Psychology
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Students may substitute higher level courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics for Ns110 Scientific Literacy. The third course may not be in a student’s major. Students majoring in one of the Natural Sciences may not take NS110.
Only Cs courses may be applied, not Dp. |
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Philosophy (6 credits)
Pl100 Introduction to Philosophy and Its History, I or
Pl110 Ancient Philosophy, and
Pl101 Introduction to Philosophy and Its History, II or one of the following:
Pl115 Medieval Philosophy
Pl120 Modern Philosophy
Pl125 Contemporary Philosophy
Pl130 Asian Philosophy
Pl151 Logic
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This sequence should be taken no earlier than sophomore year, except in cases in which the student’s academic advisor endorses Philosophy as part of the first year schedule. |
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Theology (6 credits)
Th110 Religious Faith in the Modern World
Th120 Christianity in the Contemporary Era
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As/Th443 Black Religion may be taken in place of Th120.
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| Values Course (3 credits) |
The Values course enables students to consider ethical, moral, or religious values in relationship to contemporary human life, and to broaden areas of interest in the liberal arts. All students must take a course in moral and religious values. Values courses are scheduled predominately in the Philosophy and Theology departments but may also be offered by other disciplines. Courses are labeled as “Values” in the course journal each year. |
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