Viterbo University - La Crosse, Wis.

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Core Curriculum

With its emphasis on particular skills, attributes, and values, Viterbo University’s core curriculum seeks to prepare students for life in a rapidly changing world. The core curriculum is rooted in the mission of the university and in its liberal arts tradition.

Core Curriculum Mission Statement

In the tradition of our Catholic, Franciscan heritage and our firm foundation in the Liberal Arts, Viterbo University's general education program prepares students to live and work in our global society, affirm the dignity of all people, embrace a passion for justice, revere the natural world, and nurture a spirit of inquiry and a love of truth.

Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes

Ethical Reasoning and Moral Development

Students respond to ethical issues, using informed value systems.

Social Justice

Students contribute to their communities through service and leadership.

Intercultural Knowledge and Action

Students understand their own and other cultural traditions and demonstrate a respect for the diversity of human experience.

Critical Thinking

Students comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.

Communication

Students speak and write to suit varied purposes, audience, disciplines, and contexts.

Information Literacy

Students identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share information in a variety of contexts.

Integrative Learning

Students transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond campus.

Core Curriculum Policy

First time freshmen bachelor degree students must complete all four Mission Seminars, regardless of the number of college credits they completed while in high school through the youth options, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO), etc.

Transfer bachelor degree students, except those in the Center for Adult Learning degree completion programs, are required to complete two, three, or four Mission Seminars depending on the amount of their previous college experience (transfer credit awarded).

All bachelor degree students, except those in Center for Adult Learning degree completion programs, must complete The Ethical Life (VUSM 400 level) Mission Seminar.

Core Curriculum Summary

Foundations

Note: Foundations requirements may also be satisfied by previous experience, placement mechanisms, and alternative credit options such as Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP), except where noted.

Written Communication I (one or two courses)

Approved Courses: ENGL 103 and 104 or 105 or 195

Written Communication II (one course)

Approved Courses: ARTS 350, 351, BIOL 251, CRMJ 265, EDUC 319, ENGL 255, 307, MGMT 300, MUSC 328, MUTH 338, OMGT 302, SOCL 265, SOWK 240, THTR 281, 300, UNST 295

Quantitative Literacy (one course)

Approved Courses: MGMT 230, MATH courses numbered 111 or higher, OMGT 305, PSYC 223, SOCL 223

Other: an ACT Mathematics score of 27 or higher

Information Literacy (one course)

Approved Courses*: ENGL 103 or 104 or 105 or 195, INST 395,MGMT 300, NURS 340, OMGT 302, UNST 295, 301

(UNST 295 is for students who completed an AA or AS through Viterbo University and have continued on to a bachelor degree program. )

Oral Communication (one course)

Approved Courses: AADM 200, ARTS 350, 351, BIOP 261, COMM 150, CRMJ 265,EDUC 255, ENGL 255, NURS 240, SOCL 265, SOWK 275, SPAN 306, THTR 281

*The course must be completed at Viterbo. Transfer equivalency of one or more of the approved courses will not satisfy the requirement.

Mission Seminars^

Franciscan Values and Traditions (one course)

Approved Courses: VUSM 100, 101, 110, 120, 125, 126, 127, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180

Living in a Diverse World (one course)

Approved Courses: VUSM 200, 201, 226, 227, 252, 253, 260, 280, 281, 290, 291, 292, 293

Serving the Common Good (one course)

Approved Courses: VUSM 300, 325, 330, 340

The Ethical Life (one course)

Approved Courses: VUSM 400, 430, 431

^Degree completion program students will complete an accelerated Mission Seminar course, VUSM 470. This course will not satisfy the Mission Seminar requirements for a traditional program student.

Ways of Thinking

Historical Analysis (three credits)

Approved Courses: HIST 101, 102, 105, 106, 111, 112, 153, 217, 218, 220, 221, 247, 254, 295, 304, 308, 311, 315, 330, 335, 342, 344, 346, 347, 349, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 359, 360, 370, 373, 380, 385, VUSM 140, 340

Literary Analysis (three credits)

Approved Courses: ENGL 204, 208, 220, 221, 231, 232, 243, 257, 303, 305, 309, 320, 321, 322, 324, 325, 326, 328, 336, 338, 341, 345, 346, 347, 354, 360, 370, 371, 375, 380, 385, 390, SPAN 314, 316, 318; THTR 320, 321, 440, VUSM 252, 260

Scientific Reasoning in the Natural Sciences (four credits)

Approved Courses: BIOL 100, 160, 203, 296, CHEM 101, 106, 120, ENVS 101, PHYS 102, 250, 260, 270, VUSM 170

Scientific Reasoning in the Social Sciences (three credits)

Approved Courses: COMM 230, GEOG 132, POSC 120, 121, 320, PSYC 100, 110, 171, 250, SOCL 110, 125, 210, 244, 250, 310, 320, 330, 344, 345, 351, 380, SOWK 210, VUSM 180, 201, 280, 291

Artistic Awareness (three credits)

Approved Courses: ARTS 103, 105, 108, 111, 112, 115, 121, 122, 160, 161, 200, 203, 254, 350, 351, COMM 110, DANC 100, 105, ENGL 211, 311, 312, 313, MUPI 171, 371, MUSC 101, 103, 109, 135, 136, 137, 139, 200, 335, 336, 337, 339, MUVO 171, 371, THTR 100, 345, VUSM 150