Central Curriculum Structure
Students must successfully complete all of the Central Curriculum requirements in the five sections listed below.
Section 1. Richness of Thought
4 semester hours in Analytical Thought
4 semester hours in Literary Expression
4 semester hours in Artistic Expression
Among the goals of the Richness of Thought area are teaching students to debate the definitions of literary text, canon(s) and the relationship between them; to abstract a problem into a symbolic or mathematical model or framework; and to articulate an understanding of the ways in which art can serve as a medium for recognizing and understanding the diversities of human experiences.
Section 2. Natural World
4 semester hours in Scientific Explanations
On completing the Natural World requirement, students should be able to describe the philosophical underpinnings of science as it is used to explain the natural world and to evaluate the validity of information presented as science.
Section 3. Human Interactions
4 semester hours in Social Interactions
4 semester hours in Historical Perspectives
4 semester hours in Ethics
0-8 semester hours (depending on placement) in a language other than English*
4 semester hours in Ethics Intensive courses
The extensive objectives of this area of the Central Curriculum include leading students to demonstrate they can understand and evaluate how the methods of analysis from the social sciences are used to identify issues and explore conflict within a contemporary context; to describe the way past events and trends are relevant to the present; to articulate the implications of ethical questions for human life; and to compare and contrast another language and culture with their own.
* Policy related to accommodations for the World Languages requirement may be found under “Services for Students with Disabilities” in this catalog.
Section 4. Intellectual Skills
4 semester hours in First-Year Seminar
8 semester hours in Writing Intensive courses
Through this area of the Central Curriculum, students should learn core intellectual skills, such as working together in a team to analyze and solve problems and developing, strengthening, and marshaling an argument, both orally and in writing.
Section 5. Connections
4 semester hours in Diversity
4 semester hours in Interdisciplinary
4 semester hours in Diversity Intensive courses
An off-campus Cross-Cultural experience that may or may not bear credit, depending on the specific experience selected by the student
2 semester hours total in a Cross-Cultural preparation course and a Cross-Cultural reflection course, the latter to be taken after the student returns from the Cross-Cultural experience
Their study in this area of the Central Curriculum should lead students to a fundamental understanding of multiple theories and principles of diversity; to demonstrate a complex understanding of culture; to show an appreciation of how different academic disciplines can supplement and reinforce one another; and to reflect on their personal growth, social responsibility and the value of active participation in human society.
Courses satisfying Central Curriculum requirements also may be counted toward majors and minors. The Diversity course may cross-count with any one non-Intensive course and up to two Intensive courses within the Central Curriculum, merging the requirements for both into a single course offering (e.g., ANTH-413 Critical Race Theory satisfies the Diversity requirement, the Social Interactions requirement and the Writing Intensive requirement). Similarly, the Interdisciplinary course may cross-count with any one non- Intensive and up to two Intensive courses within the Central Curriculum. In addition to satisfying other requirements, an appropriately designated course in the Central Curriculum also may be counted toward one or two Intensive requirements.
Capstone Courses
In addition to the Central Curriculum requirements, students must complete at least two semester hours in a capstone course, with a grade of C- or higher, as a part of the major program.
The capstone is designed to enrich students’ academic experience by allowing them to demonstrate what has been learned through a concentrated course of study at Susquehanna. This course cannot be transferred from another institution.
