Such common ground is important not only to encourage discourse among students, faculty and others in the community, but with other educated people they will come in contact with over the years, says University President Cunningham. The Core is the piece of the university that makes us unique, it s the truly Susquehanna piece, explains Associate Professor of History Linda McMillin, chair of the University curriculum committee. The Susquehanna Core comprises about one-third of the courses required to graduate. The personal development component begins with College 101, a series of short seminars designed to prepare new students academically and socially for college life. The third and most extensive component, called Perspectives on the World, focuses on our common heritage.
Students also take one course focusing on values and one addressing the future.
Within each category, students may fulfill the requirements from a selection of approved courses, including a special series for members of the Honors Program. The Core pushes students to learn a little bit about everything, says Darcie Kurtz 96, who served as a student member of the University curriculum committee. It really broadens what students have to offer employers when they enter the job market. Keeping the Core Current To insure that the general studies requirements meet the needs of students graduating in a rapidly changing world, the entire Core is reevaluated on a regular three-year cycle. The constant reexamination reflects both local and national debate on content and trends in general education.