Office of the Registrar (St. Norbert College)

First-Year Common Experience
Note: Currently in development. Implementation of FYCE dependent upon provision of appropriate resources by SNC administration.

Theological Foundations
This area draws upon the centuries' old tradition of intellectual engagement with the elements of Christian faith. Authentic theological study demands critical and systematic analysis that values equally both faith and reason. This analysis requires substantive interaction with a variety of points of view. Courses in this module thoughtfully investigate biblical, historical, theological, and ethical sources that have contributed to the Christian heritage in general and the Catholic tradition in particular.

Philosophical Foundations
This area is inspired, in part, by a principle that has guided our founders, the Norbertines, through the centuries: contemplatio-seeking insights into the challenges facing humanity through deep reflection upon the fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and action as they have been discussed in the history of thought. Accordingly, this module attempts to capture that enduring Norbertine spirit in a modern liberal arts context, where philosophers explore themes and questions that have occupied human thought throughout the millennia. Because philosophy is inherently a social and practical enterprise that advances through critical dialogue and advocacy, it aims to help people develop the wisdom to live the best lives they can. This module, consisting of one course in philosophy, will explore fundamental topics such as human nature, ethics, the relation of faith and reason, and the meaning of human existence. While recognizing the autonomy of the various intellectual disciplines, this module helps students learn to become careful reflective thinkers and to make insightful and integral connections between various fields of study.

Required By End of Second Year:

Quantitative Reasoning
Courses in this area will help students understand quantitative methods as both ways of knowing and ways of solving problems. Students will be motivated to develop skills and confidence in quantitative, logical, and algorithmic reasoning through applications and practical problems. As a consequence, students will appreciate both the power and the value of these methods while recognizing their limitations.

Writing Intensive Course
Note: Writing Intensive courses may be drawn from any of the Foundations courses (above) or from any of the General Core Requirements courses at the 100- or 200-level (see below).

Required by End of Third Year:

Language Competency
Completion of a language course through the 102 level or above, or by establishing competency by placement test through the 102 level or above. The second language must be one other than the native language of the student and may be in languages not taught at SNC. Placement/Competency Tests will be given at Orientation and at announced times throughout the academic year and can be repeated until the end of a student's 4th semester at SNC.

General Core Requirements
Can be Taken Any Time:

Beyond Borders
This area explores the civilizations and cultures of the world in a variety of contexts, historical or contemporary, either studied in their own right or through the interactions and relationships between them. Courses in this area may cover one or more of the following subjects: culture, geography, history, politics, religion, trade and commerce, but ideally and naturally some combination of these. This area provides learners the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world's cultural diversity.

Catholic Imagination
This area focuses on the Catholic intellectual tradition and its continuing interactions/dialogue with the world, including art, literature, and science. Courses in this area explore a variety of subject matter, grounded in Catholic theology, such as contributions and manifestations of Catholic sensibility in issues of historical and contemporary significance. Such courses allow students to explore the reciprocal enrichment between the Church and the world as a result of dialogue through the ages, including ways in which the Catholic tradition engages the needs and opportunities of communities and the world.

Difference and Diversity
This area cultivates an understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by various groups within the U.S., commonly identified by characteristics such as class, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, and religion. A study of these groups' identities and the voices with which they speak illustrates their contributions to the rich and complex U.S. mosaic. Courses in this area explore how these identities are constructed and how the internal dynamics and external interactions of such groups continue to inform and shape our experience. In turn, these questions challenge students to think critically about commonly held views of equality, justice, citizenship, and identity.

Expression and Interpretation
This area examines ways in which literature and the visual and performing arts resonate in human experience. Courses in this area encourage students to contemplate and theorize humanities and fine arts. Through creative engagement and critical thought, students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the creative process and cultivate the ability to make positive contributions to knowledge, society, and culture.

Individual and Society
This area focuses attention on the nature of the individual, of society, and the relationship between the two. Courses in this module consider empirical research as well as historical and contemporary thought on the nature and development of the individual (including common attributes and individual differences), the character and evolution of society (including complex institutions such as family, economy and government), or the relationship between the two. These courses help students identify and apply theoretical and methodological perspectives of a social science in order to understand themselves and their place in the social world.

Physical and Natural World
This area introduces topics ranging from physical and chemical processes that shape the earth and universe, the historical and contemporary impact of human geography on climate and the earth's biota, to the interplay among health, environment and technology. Courses in this area, while being grounded in the fundamentals of the natural sciences, may include disciplinary, multi-disciplinary, and inter-disciplinary perspectives on the physical and natural world. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of science, methods of science, and the interdisciplinary nature of science through inquiry, critical thinking, application, and communication. This subject matter, when synthesized into a meaningful whole, allows learners to develop an informed perspective on the physical and natural world and our role as responsible stewards of the environment. These courses include a laboratory component.

Western Tradition
This area helps students understand and evaluate major concepts and values in Western culture. Students will be able to analyze how the Western tradition influences contemporary thought or actions. Courses in this area will expose students to the sources and development of ideas that pervade Western society and the Western cultural experience, and may cover Western ideologies, history, government, citizenship, literature, and the arts.

Advanced Requirements
To be Taken During a Student's Junior or Senior Year

3 Courses: Any General Core Requirement courses designated at the 300 or 400 level

Total: Eleven courses including FYCE, plus language competency. Courses that satisfy major requirements may also be used to satisfy any core curriculum requirement.