What is a Liberal Arts Perspective?

Learn more about what shapes and defines the Ashland University Core Curriculum.

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June 8 edition written by Nathaniel Urban, 2018 graduate of AU! 

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 What is the Undergraduate Core Curriculum?

The ideal of the core curriculum at Ashland University, consistent with that of the liberal arts, involves the development of the wise person. This requires certain competencies, which, in turn, require a curriculum with certain essential components. These components, in turn, require a variety of teaching formats to develop those essential competencies.

All Ashland students eventually designate a major in a specialized discipline, but the core should be thought of as the undergraduate common major of the university. All undergraduate students have to take 44 credit hours across a variety of areas to satisfy the requirements of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum.

The ‘GPS’ area is now a Critical Cultural Inquiry requirement.

This “C.C.I.” requirement can be satisfied with a single three-credit (value-added) ancient or modern language course, or a single three-credit course in Critical Cultural Inquiry, or one approved study-abroad or study-away program that includes a CCI narrative. Progress toward the old GPS will count as satisfying this new requirement.

These changes will mean that Border Crossing courses will be gradually losing their ‘core’ status.

See your advisor for more details

IMPORTANT: Do not make immediate class changes as a result of this announcement. Consult with your advisor carefully, as sudden drops could put you below the recommended number of credit hours for full-time status or graduation.