Core Curriculum

Courses that fulfill Core Curriculum program requirements may also be used to fulfill requirements in the major.

Philosophy of the Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum is an essential component of St. Norbert College’s mission as a Catholic, Norbertine, liberal arts college. It provides students with the skills, knowledge, intellectual preparation and range of experiential learning that will enable them to flourish as citizens in a complex and rapidly changing world. Furthermore, it offers students a systematic approach to the examination of personal values, habits of leadership and integrity, and spiritual development that are central to the Catholic, Norbertine values upon which the college’s identity and purpose are grounded.

Foundation Courses

Theological Foundations (Core: TF) and Philosophical Foundations (Core: PF) courses should be taken by the end of the students' first year.

THRS 117 Theological Foundations (4 credits, Core: TF)
This course will introduce students to the principal elements of Christian theology, particularly in the Catholic tradition, including biblical studies, historical and systematic theology, and ethics. It will address foundational theological questions, including: What does it mean to study God, and why do we do it? What sources are available for the investigation of God and how do we evaluate these sources? What images and metaphors have been and continue to be used for God? And what implications does belief in God have on ethical behavior and the building of communities?

PHIL 120 Philosophical Foundations in the Study of Human Nature (4 credits, Core: PF)
This course provides a thematic and historical introduction to basic philosophical issues regarding human nature utilizing primary texts from established figures in the philosophical tradition. Topics include the moral dimension of human experience, the fundamental nature of the world, the nature of truth and knowledge, and justice. Readings include dialogues of Plato, authors from at least three of the four philosophical epochs (ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary), and at least one author from the Christian philosophical tradition. Emphasis will be placed on methods of logical inquiry including Socratic dialectic, deductive and inductive inference, and other forms of philosophical discourse with the goal of developing the student’s skills in written and oral communication.

Quantitative-Reasoning and Writing-Intensive Courses
Quantitative-Reasoning (Core: QR) and Writing-Intensive (Core: WI) courses should be taken by the end of the students' second year.

Quantitative-Reasoning Courses (Core: QR)

CSCI 110 Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCI 150 Applications of Discrete Structures
MATH 120 Numbers and Operations
MATH 123 Applications of Contemporary Mathematics
MATH 128 Introduction to Statistics for Business
MATH 129 Differential Calculus of Polynomials
MATH 131 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1
MATH 132 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2
MATH 203 Linear Algebra
MATH 212 Principles of Algebra and Data (MATH 212 is for EDUC majors only)
MATH 220 Principles of Geometry (MATH 220 is for EDUC majors only)
MATH 221 Introduction to Statistics
MATH 233 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 3
SSCI 224 Basic Statistics

Writing-Intensive Courses (Core: WI)
This requirement is fulfilled by taking any course designated as writing intensive (Core: WI) in the course timetable and may be drawn from any of the foundations courses (above) or from any of the the general core courses at the 100 or 200 level (below). In addition, the following courses are always designated as writing intensive:

(Other core requirements that are fulfilled by writing-intensive courses are also indicated)

ENGL 101 English Composition (available only through College Jumpstart) (Core: WI)
ENGL 150 Introduction to Literary Studies (Core: EI, WI)
ENGL 221 The American Short Story (Core: DD, WI)
FREN 305 Introduction to French Literature and Literary Criticism (Adv. Core: EI, WI)
GERM 304 German Composition (Adv. Core: EI, WI)
HONR 101 Introduction to Honors (honors program students only) (Core: WI)
HUMA 100 Introduction to the Humanities Through the Fine Arts (Core: EI, WI)

Second Language Competency (Core: SL)
Demonstration of second language competency is to be completed by the end of the student’s third year.

This module is fulfilled by demonstrating basic competence in two languages. Proficiency in each language must be demonstrated by the end of the third year by using the following options:

Providing a high school or secondary school transcript indicating successful graduation. (Note: an English translation is required if the transcript is not written in English)
Earning a grade of ‘C’ or better in a second-semester language course at St. Norbert College or another post-secondary school.
Scoring at a skill level equivalent to a second-semester collegiate language course on a placement exam available at St. Norbert College.
Achieving the Seal of Biliteracy
Demonstrating language competence by test:

Earning a score of 3 or better on an Advanced Placement language or literature exam in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish; earning a score of 5 or better on an International Baccalaureate Language A2 HL exam. Tests for languages other than those available at St. Norbert can be obtained at the Brigham Young University Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) or through an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview via Language Testing International (LTI), with the student bearing responsibility for any fees. English proficiency may be demonstrated by TOEFL (min. scores: pbt 550 or ibt 79) or IELTS (min. score: 6.5 composite).

Examples: a student who speaks Arabic as a first language could demonstrate Arabic competency with a FLATS score and demonstrate English competency with a TOEFL score; a bilingual student who speaks both Spanish and English could demonstrate Spanish competency with an SNC placement exam score and provide a high school transcript to demonstrate English competency; a student who speaks English as a first language could provide a high school transcript to demonstrate English competency and an Advanced Placement exam score of 5 to demonstrate German competency.

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

General and Advanced Courses

Students must successfully complete one course from each of the following seven general core areas. Three of these areas must be satisfied by courses taken at the 300- or 400- level in order to fulfill the advanced core requirement.

Beyond Borders (Core: BB)
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.

ENGL 228 The Continental Novel
GEOG 140 World Regions and Issues
GEOG 225 Social Geography
HIST 117 Survey of African History 1
HIST 119 Survey of African History 2
HIST 120 Survey of Middle Eastern History
HIST 122 Modern East Asia
HIST 131 Colonial Latin America
HIST 132 Modern Latin America
HUMA 252 French Society and Culture
HUMA 280 Japanese Culture and Society
INTL/POLI 150 Introduction to International Studies
MUSI 150 Survey of World Musics
PHIL/THRS 265 Asian Philosophy and Religion

Beyond Borders Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: BB)

ART 310 Non-Western Art History
BUAD 340 Global Seminar in Business
BUAD 354 Sustainable, Environmental & Social Impact Investing
BUAD 388 International Management
CLAS 335 Bodies of Knowledge
ECON 355 Intl Economics & Business in EU
ECON 357 Economics of Globalization
ECON 376 International Trade
ECON 375 Growth and Development
ECON 377 International Finance and Monetary Economics
ENGL 356 Postcolonial Literature
FREN 375 French Civilization, Literature, and Identity
GEOG 363 Global Urbanization
GERM 375 Modern Germany: 1850-1950
HIST 354 Issues in the Contemporary Middle East
HIST 372 Borderlands in Latin America
HIST 373 The U.S. in Latin America
JAPN 375 Japanese Civilization
NSCI 310 Global Viral Pandemics
NSCI 348 Bioterrorism
PHIL 331 and 332 Food Ethics: The Philippines
POLI 349 Global Environmental Politics
POLI 350 International Relations
POLI 352 International Law and Human Rights
POLI 362 The Global South in the 21st Century
POLI 368 Latin American Politics Through Film, Art, Poetry and Music
POLI 410 Global Political Extremism
SPAN 365 LA Civ: S. America and the Caribbean
SPAN 370 LA Civ: Mexico and Central America
SPAN 375 Spanish Civilization
THRS 302 Forgotten & Found Sacred Texts
THRS 339 World Scriptures
THRS 340 World Religions in Dialogue
WMGS/INTL 300 Contemporary Latin American Literature & Culture

Catholic Imagination (Core: CI)
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.

ART 215 Sacred Art and Architecture
ENGL 240 Modern Catholic Fiction
MUSI 276 Music and Catholicism
PHIL 213 Medieval Philosophy
THRS 201 The Bible: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
THRS 203: The Quest for God

Catholic Imagination Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: CI)

HUMA 337 Communio and the Norbertines
IDIS 312 Darwin and the Divine
PHIL 322 Aquinas’ Philosophy and Theology
THRS 310 Marriage and Family as Vocation
THRS 312 The Church: Power, Controversy, Future
THRS 314 Origins of Biblical Monotheism
THRS 316 Who is Jesus?
THRS 317 U.S. Latinx Theologies
THRS/WMGS 318 Feminist Theology
THRS 320 The Christian Tradition
THRS 322 Survey of the Hebrew Bible
THRS/WMGS 324 Women in the Bible
THRS 325 Providence, Suffering, and Freedom
THRS/CLAS 327 Ancient Wisdom and the Modern Search for Meaning
THRS 328 Queer Theology
THRS 329 The New Testament
THRS 331 The Holocaust
THRS 333 Christian Ethics
THRS 337 Character & the Moral Life
THRS 343 Muslim-Christian Dialogues
THRS 350 Christianity & Religious Diversity
THRS 355 Theology of Spirituality
THRS 360 Exploring Catholic Theology
THRS 361 Catholic Intellectual Tradition
THRS 433 Christian Ethics

Difference and Diversity (Core: DD)
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.

ENGL/WMGS 206 Sexuality & Literature
ENGL 221 American Short Story
HIST 114 History of the United States 1
HIST 115 History of the United States 2
HUMA 244 Autobiographies and Abolition
PHIL 200 Philosophy of Sex and Love
POLI 131 American Multicultural Politics
POLI 232 American Political Polarization
SSCI 103 Difference, Diversity and Power
SSCI 205 Disability and American Society
THRS 221 Religion in America
WMGS 110 Intro to Women’s & Gender Studies
WMGS 205 Race/Ethnicity in the Lives of US Women
WMGS 225 Gender in Text and Imagery

Difference and Diversity Advanced Core Courses (Adv. Core: DD)

ART/WMGS 375 Race/Gender in Contemporary Art
COME 305 Social Identity and Intergroup Communication
COME 310 Race, Ethnicity and Media
COME 317 Netflix: Disruptive Entertainment
COME 330 Intercultural Communication
COME/WMGS 331 Gender and Media
ENGL/WMGS 310 Race & Sex in Contemporary US Texts
GEOG 355 Ethnic Geographies of the US
HIST 324 Poverty, Charity and Welfare
HIST 368 The Asian American Experience
HUMA 310 History of Minority Groups in the U.S.
MUSI 318 Evolution of Jazz
PHIL 344 Feminist Philosophy
POLI 367 Summers of Struggle for Rights
THRS 307 Black Theology
THRS 311 Interfaith Leadership in America
SOCI 320 Culture and Consumption
SOCI/WMGS 346 Intersections of Privilege
SPAN 352 Spanish in the U.S.
SSCI 408 Social Inequalities

Expression and Interpretation (Core: EI)
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.

ATR 124 Mobile Digital Phototography
ART 125 Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
ART 131 Introduction to Studio Art
ART 134 Basic Drawing
ART 144 Introduction to Video Production
ART 145 Rotoscope Animation
ART 205 Art, Technology and Society
ART 220 Art and Community Expression
ART 224 Introduction to Sculpture
ART 225 Introductory Ceramics
ART 230 Beginning Printmaking
ART 240 Introductory Painting
ENGL 150 Literature and Writing
ENGL 201 Introduction to Literary Studies
ENGL 203 Science Fiction and Fantasy
ENGL 210 Introduction to Film
ENGL 215 Introduction to Creative Writing
HUMA 100 Intro to the Humanities Through the Fine Arts
MUSI 176 Music Appreciation
THEA 101 Introduction to Live Performance
THEA 102 Creation of Sign and Symbol
THEA 200 American Musical Theatre History
THEA 237 History of Clothing and Fashion

Expression and Interpretation Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: EI)

ART 324 Intermediate Sculpture
ART 330 Intermediate Printmaking
ART 340 Intermediate Painting
ART 424 Advanced Sculpture
ART 430 Advanced Printmaking
ART 440 Advanced Painting
FREN 305 Intro to French Literature and Criticism
GERM 304 German Composition
GERM 305 Intro to German Literature and Criticism
HUMA 313 Stories of War
MUSI 373 Honors Music and Literature
PHIL/CLAS 334 Tragedy and Philosophy
PHIL 352 Labyrinths of Time
SPAN 301 Introduction to Hispanic Film & Media
SPAN 302 Introduction to Hispanic Literary Texts and Media

Individual and Society (Core: IS)
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) and 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.

ART 285 Art in a Democratic Society
BUAD 215 Entrepreneurship
COME 122 Interpersonal Communication
ECON 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 102 Principles of Microeconomics
EDUC 102 Foundations of Education II
EDUC 103 Accelerated Foundations of Education I and II
LEAD 200 Introduction to Leadership Studies
POLI 130 U.S. Politics and Government
PSYC 100 Introductory Psychological Science
SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 236 Introduction to Public Health

Individual and Society Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: IS)

ART 366 Art and Creative Democracy
BUAD 387 Aviation Disaster Exploration: Decision Making Errors
CLAS 322 Foodways in Classical Antiquity
COME 320 Crisis Communication
COME 352 Media Effects
CSCI 310 Computing in a Global Society
POLI 310 Fascism and Socialism
POLI 333 American Conspiracy Theories

Physical and Natural World (Core: PN)
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 interdisciplinary 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.

BIOL 105 Human Biology and Society
BIOL 106 Humans and the Environment
BIOL 108 Biodiversity
BIOL 120 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL 121 General Biology 2
CHEM 100 Applications of Chemistry
CHEM 105 General Chemistry 1
GEOG 120 Global Physical Environments
GEOL 105 Geology
GEOL 107 Environmental Geology
GEOL 109 Dinosaurs and their Environment
GEOL 115 General Oceanography
NSCI 115 Introduction to Climate Change
PHYS 100 Physics in the Arts
PHYS 111 Fundamentals of Physics
PHYS 121 General Physics 1
PHYS 141 Astronomy

Physical and Natural World Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: PN)

ENVS 300 Environmental Science
GEOL 403 Geology of Our National Parks
IDIS 313 One Health
NSCI 315 Climate Change
NSCI 358 Social Impacts of Infectious Disease
SSCI 301 Environment and Society

Western Tradition (Core: WT)
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 thoughts 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.

ART 110 History of Western Art
ART 112 History of Modern Design
ART 115 History of Modern Art
BIOL 107 Human Evolution, Scientific Thinking
CLAS 107 Introduction to Roman Archaeology
CLAS 201 Medical and Legal Terminology from Greek and Latin
ENGL 212 Modern British Novel
HIST 112 History of Western Civilization 1: Bronze Age to Renaissance
HIST 113 History of Western Civilization 2: Early to Modern Europe
HUMA 211 Vietnam in Western Imagination
HUMA 240 Classic American Novels
MUSI 184 History of American Pop Music
PEAC 266 Human Rights and Responsibilities
PHIL 205 Existentialism and Film
PHIL 235 Skepticism, Knowledge and Faith
PHIL 250/THRS 255 Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 282 Law, Morality and Punishment
PHYS 241 Modern Physics

Western Tradition Advanced Core Courses (Adv Core: WT)

ART 337 Winter in Rome: Art in Context
BUAD 386 Leading Through Adversity
CLAS 325 Classical Mythology
COME/POLI 329 Political Communication
ECON 300 History of Economic Thought
ENGL 321 Dante: The Divine Comedy
ENGL 385 Heroes and Sages
FREN 320 Masterpieces of French Literature
HIST 345 Slavery in World History
HIST 350 History of Modern Europe
HIST 370 The End of the World
HONR 302 Coexistence in Medieval Spain
HUMA 315 German Identity Through Film
HUMA 338 History, Culture and Communio
HUMA 403 Ideal Societies
MUSI 315 Introduction to Opera
PHIL 305 American Philosophy
PHIL/POLI 316 Modern Political Thought
PHIL 318 Inventing the Modern Mind
PHIL 330 The European Enlightenment
SOCI 352 Foundations of Social Theory
THEA 337 Contemporary Theatre
THEA 387 History of Architecture & Decor

Core Goals

Goals of the Core Curriculum Program

Within the context of the institution’s Catholic, Norbertine and Liberal Arts traditions, St. Norbert students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values necessary to:

Think Critically
Indicators may include employing logical analysis and inquiry; evaluating arguments and evidence; demonstrating information literacy and quantitative reasoning; applying knowledge, skills and methods of the natural sciences, the humanities, the visual and performing arts, and the social sciences – including business and economics.

Communicate Effectively
Indicators may include accurately conveying and interpreting written, spoken and symbolic forms of communication; communicating in ways appropriate to audience, purpose and context; using communication strategies and technologies effectively and ethically; demonstrating basic skills in more than one language.

Problem-Solve Creatively
Indicators may include articulating contextual factors and generating relevant questions when defining a given problem; exploring an issue or problem by creating a new approach, product or idea or by synthesizing multiple approaches; evaluating the implications of alternative solutions.

Behave Ethically
Indicators may include identifying, reflecting upon and articulating one’s own principled values; understanding and applying ethical principles in academic, civic and personal contexts; weighing the ethical consequences of alternative courses of action; advocating for ethical outcomes.

Interact Respectfully
Indicators may include collaborating effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds; reflecting critically on cultural biases, including one’s own; valuing the differences, commonalities and contributions of cultures and societies throughout time; engaging conscientiously in personal and civic life.

Serve Responsibly
Indicators may include valuing the inherent dignity of all people; advocating for and building systems that promote justice and the common good; making decisions and acting in ways that reflect awareness of global interconnectedness; practicing stewardship and the responsible use of resources.

Live Purposefully
Indicators may include articulating and acting upon goals and values that support a sense of meaning and purpose in one’s life; engaging in behaviors that promote well-being; understanding the faith commitments out of which our institution grows; esteeming the contributions of diverse faith and values perspectives; practicing reflection and contemplation; demonstrating self-awareness.

Goals of Lower-Level Core Curriculum Courses

Develop student skills in writing, research and oral communication
Develop student abilities in creative and critical thinking
Foster student understanding of the value of a liberal arts education

Goals of Upper-Level Core Curriculum Courses

Advance student skills in synthesis and integration of different methods, perspectives or ideas, and develop the ability to bring together existing knowledge and materials in order to create new connections, approaches or intellectual expressions
Engage students in deep critical evaluation and reflection on subject matter or sources of information, and require them to communicate what they have learned using various modes of substantive response
Challenge students to identify or evaluate concepts, principles and techniques learned through the course in contexts outside of the classroom; or to use concepts, principles and techniques learned through the course to predict results or propose solutions