University Core Curriculum

Introduction

The University of New Haven is a student-centered comprehensive university with an emphasis on excellence in liberal arts and professional education. Our mission is to prepare our students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society by providing the highest-quality education through experiential, collaborative, and discovery-based learning.

An educated person at the University of New Haven demonstrates a balance of liberal arts, professional, and experiential education.  General education is addressed through the University Core Curriculum (as outlined below) and discipline education is addressed through the major requirements within each program. The University of New Haven experience also includes two additional core skills that fully round out the general education program: experiential learning and writing across the curriculum.

Experiential Education

All University of New Haven undergraduates complete at least one of the four pillars of experiential education: academic service-learning, study abroad, an internship, or faculty-mentored research prior to graduation.  Academic programs may specify the particular experiential education pillar(s) required for successful completion.  Students are encouraged, however, to pursue as many experiential education opportunities as they desire. .

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)

"W" designated courses indicate a writing-intensive course.  Every University of New Haven undergraduate must take at least one "W" course, whether as part of the Core or through a major's requirements and electives prior to graduation.  This requirement applies to all bachelor and associate degrees.

University Core Curriculum Overview

The Core encourages interdisciplinary interaction; establishes competency-based outcomes throughout the institution; provides flexibility in achieving those outcomes; and allows for a standardized campus-wide assessment of the general education requirements.  The University of New Haven's Core Curriculum strives to develop nine basic competencies among its undergraduate students so they may better understand and relate to diverse people, succeed in their chosen careers, and pursue lifelong learning after completing their education.

The design of the core is inspired greatly by the American Association of Colleges and Universities' "LEAP Model"-Liberal Education for America's Promise. The LEAP initiative seeks to make excellence inclusive by providing essential learning outcomes, high-impact educational practices, and authentic assessments.  This LEAP model was adapted to create a University Core that fits with the unique mission, purposes, and identity of the University of New Haven.

The University Core aims to graduate students who:

• communicate effectively, both in writing and orally,
• apply quantitative techniques to derive useful information from data,
• think critically and solve real world problems,
• appreciate scientific exploration of the natural world,
• realize their role and responsibilities within a larger society,
• embrace the diversity of cultural differences,
• participate effectively as citizens of their own country and the world, and
• appreciate the aesthetic value of artistic works.

Each of the nine competency categories possesses two tiers of expectations.  Tier 1 provides breadth through a fundamental set of outcomes that every student will complete, where as Tier 2 provides depth through higher-level learning outcomes related to more focused content. Tier 2 courses can be selected by the student if not prescribed by the student's major program.  In consultation with a faculty adviser, and based on degree requirements, each student will select core courses from the nine categories as outlined below:

 

Degree	Core Credit Hour Breakdown		Total Core Hours
Bachelor	Tier 1        1 course per category	28 credit hours	At least 40 credit hours
	Tier 2         3 or 4 courses from various categories	12 credit hours
Associate	Tier 1         1 course each from:                    Written Communication,                    Oral Communication,                    Mathematical Literacy, and                    Critical Thinking.	12 credit hours	At least 20 credit hours
	Tier 1 or Tier 2         2 or 3 courses from additional categories	8 credit hours

Notes:

1. The adviser and student are cautioned to take note of the prerequisites for courses and plan core choices accordingly.
2. A student may not use a single course to satisfy more than one category of the core.
3. An academic program may require certain choices within both Tier 1 and Tier 2 core categories. Program requirements may not limit core course choices without the approval of the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
4. The university will determine the appropriate placement level for students in English, Mathematics and certain specialized disciplines, indicating remedial work may be required.  As with any course, a core course may be satisfied through approved transfer credit from another institution, or other types of credit (e.g., an Advance Placement exam) as noted elsewhere in the catalog.
5. If a student places out of Tier 1 in Mathematical & Quantitative Literacy based on a proctored exam administered by the Mathematics Department, they will proceed to a Tier 2 course as required by their major program or, if no higher math course is required, they will take any other core course chosen in consultation with their major advisor.

University Core Curriculum Course Inventory

The sections below provide the Tier 1 and Tier 2 learning outcomes for each of the nine core competencies, as well as the courses by which students can fulfill the requirements for that competency.

Core Competency 1 - Written Communication

In Tier 1, the student will be able to produce effective writing that demonstrates an understanding of the relationships among audience, purpose, and voice; craft a written response to multiple texts that puts the student's ideas into conversation with those in the texts; and develop a writing process that incorporates invention, research, drafting, sharing with others, revision, editing, and reflection. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC1 - Written Communication Tier 1	Number	Title
	ENGL 1112 ENGL 1113	Seminar in Academic Inquiry Seminar in Academic Inquiry for International Students

In Tier 2, the student will be able to communicate within the writing conventions of a specific discipline through attention to tone, format, and style; compose written work that demonstrates mastery of concepts in the discipline; and craft a written response to professional writing that puts the student's ideas into a disciplinary conversation. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC1 - Written Communication Tier 2	Number	Title
	ENGL 2220 ENGL 2225 ENGL 2270 ENGL 3342 ENGL 3343	Writing for Business and Industry Technical Writing and Presentation Advanced Essay Workshop Grant Writing Writing for Digital Environments

 

Core Competency 2 - Oral Communication and Presentation

In Tier 1, the student will be able to deliver an oral presentation appropriate to the audience and purpose; explain the fundamental principles of communication theory; and adapt oral communication to various interpersonal contexts, such as group discussion, leadership, and conflict situations. This can be accomplished in the following course:

CC2 - Oral Communication and Presentation Tier 1	Number	Title
	COMM 1130	Principles of Communication

In Tier 2, the student will be able to apply communication principles to team building; adapt communication to intercultural contexts; and integrate methods of persuasion into an oral presentation or interaction. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC2 - Oral Communication and Presentation Tier 2	Number	Title
	COMM 2200 ENGL 2230	Small Group Communication Public Speaking and Group Discussio

 

Core Competency 3 - Mathematical and Quantitative Literacy

In Tier 1, the student will be able to apply mathematical concepts and principles to solve problems; differentiate among multiple representations of mathematical information; and assess mathematical reasonableness and consistency. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC3 - Mathematical and Quantitative Literacy   Tier 1	Number	Title
	MATH 1104 MATH 1108 MATH 1110 MATH 1115 MATH 2228	Quantitative Reasoning College Mathematics College Algebra Precalculus Elementary Statistics

In Tier 2, the student will be able to generate mathematical models based on abstract concepts; justify the correctness of a solution based on assumptions made and known limitations of methods used; and solve complex mathematical problems involving multiple mathematical forms and techniques or draw appropriate conclusions as the result of performing quantitative data analysis based on sound assumptions regarding estimation and modeling. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC3 - Mathematical and Quantitative Literacy   Tier 2	Number	Title
	FINC 1123 MATH 1117 MATH 1118 MATH 1121 MATH 2203 PSYC 3301 QANL 2216	Personal Finance Calculus I Calculus II Foundations of Mathematics Calculus III Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Business Statistics

 

Core Competency 4 - Scientific Exploration

In Tier 1, the student will be able to articulate structural and/or functional aspects of elements of a portion of the natural world; use discipline-specific methodologies and technologies to draw conclusions about natural phenomena; and illustrate the effects of scientific knowledge and progress on societal issues. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC4 - Scientific Exploration Tier 1	Number	Title
	BIOL 1121/1123 BIOL 1125/1126 BIOL 2253/2255 CHEM 1105/1106 CHEM 1115/1117 ENVS 1101/1102 PHYS 1100/1111 PHYS 1115/1116 PHYS 1103/1113 PHYS 1104/1114 PHYS 1130/1131 PHYS 1150/1151 PHYS 2205/2206	Introduction to General and Human Biology I with Lab Contemporary Issues in Biology with Lab Biology I for Science Majors with Lab Introduction to General & Organic Chemistry with Lab General Chemistry I with Lab Introduction to Environmental Science with Lab Introductory Physics with Lab Physics of Sports with Lab General Physics I with Lab General Physics II with Lab Physics of Color and Light with Lab Calculus-Based Physics I with Lab Calculus-Based Physics II with Lab

In Tier 2, the student will be able to evaluate the conduct and/or design of scientific inquiry; and apply advanced methods/techniques in conducting scientific inquiry or assess the potential implications of scientific inquiry. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC4 - Scientific Exploration Tier 2	Number	Title
	BIOL 2250/2251 BIOL 3311/3313 BIOL 4461/4462 DIET 2200/2201 DIET 2260 ENVS 4500 MARN 2200/2201 PHYS 2211	Invertebrate Zoology with Lab Molecular Biology with Lab Biochemistry with Lab Food Science & Preparation with Lab Nutrition in Health Environmental Geoscience with Lab Oceanography with Lab Modern Physics

 

Competency 5 - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

In Tier 1, the student will be able to compose analytical and/or argumentative essays that address a specific question; discern the relevance of available information as it pertains to supporting a chosen position; and develop a reasoned proposal that addresses a particular issue. This can be accomplished in the following course:

CC5 - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Tier 1	Number	Title
	UNIV 1141	Life on Earth

In Tier 2, the student will be able to synthesize information from multiple sources to solve a problem; follow a process to develop an effective solution to a problem; and assess the effectiveness of a proposed solution to a problem. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC5 - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Tier 2	Number	Title
	BUSL 2201 CSCI 1110 DHYG 2240 DHYG 3325 EASC 2211 ECON 1134 ECON 3370 ENVS 4540 HIST 3310 HUMN 3300 ILLU 3355 LSTD 4440 MARA 3204 PHIL 2210 PHIL 2250 PSCI 3308 PSCI 3309	International Business Law Introduction to Programming/C Dental Hygiene Concepts II with Lab General and Oral Pathology Introduction to Modeling of Engineering Systems Principles of Economics II Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Introduction to Geographical Info Systems Environmental History Nature of Science Illustration III Law and Policy Global Change Logic Philosophy of Religion Legislative Process The American Presidency

 

Competency 6 - Historical Perspectives

In Tier 1, the student will be able to explain the historical interplay of transformational events and movements in one or more broad regions; evaluate primary and secondary historical sources for their perspective and credibility; and examine the impact of different political, economic, socio-cultural, or religious systems on the historical development of civilizations. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC6 - Historical Perspectives Tier 1	Number	Title
	HIST 1000 HIST 1101 HIST 1102 HIST 1108 HIST 1120 HIST 1121 HIST 1122	Thinking Historically About ... Foundations of the Western World The Western World in Modern Times History of Science History of African Americans US to 1865 US Since 1865

In Tier 2, the student will be able to examine the historical interplay of transformational events and movements in a specific context; evaluate trends and inconsistencies in historical interpretations and/or assessments of events; and synthesize historical data from primary and secondary sources into coherent analytical arguments that address questions about the past. This can be accomplished in the following courses: 

CC6 - Historical Perspectives Tier 2	Number	Title
	HIST 2240 HIST 2241 HIST 2260 HIST 3305 HIST 3325 HIST 3345 HIST 3360 HIST 3361 HIST 3362 THEA 2241 THEA 2242	Colonial Latin America Modern Latin America Modern Asia Renaissance and Reformation Empire and Imperialism in the Modern Era Europe in the 19th Century England: Restoration and Empire Modern and Contemporary Britain: 1815 - Present Russia to 1861 Theatrical Roots and Rituals Theatrical Manifestos and Movements

 

Competency 7 - The Individual and Society

In Tier 1, the student will be able to relate theories or perspectives on thought, behavior, and decision-making to personal and social awareness; articulate various theories or perspectives of social interaction; and reflect upon group or organizational membership as it relates to ethical conduct. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC7 - The Individual and Society Tier 1	Number	Title
	ARHS 2250 CJST 1100 CSCI 3316 EASC 2215 HLTH 1100 LSTD 1105 LSTD 2220 LSTD 3340 PHIL 1101 PHIL 2215 PHIL 2222 PHIL 2251 PSCI 1101 PSCI 1121 PSCI 1122 PSYC 1111 PSYC 1112 SOCI 1113	Modern Art, Modernity, and Modernism Introduction to Criminal Justice Social and Professional Issues in Computing Sustainability, Ethics, and Professional Issues Introduction to Health Professions Justice in America Mediation Equality and Law Introduction to Philosophy Nature of Self Ethics Philosophy of Race Introduction to Politics American Government and Politics State and Local Government Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Psychology for Majors Sociology

In Tier 2, the student will be able to evaluate the decisions and interactions of individuals and/or groups; compare and contrast various theories/perspectives regarding the individual and society; and express a personal philosophy or code of ethics in the context of social responsibility. This can be accomplished in the following courses: 

CC7 - The Individual and Society Tier 2	Number	Title
	ECON 1133 HLTH 2200 PSCI 2222 PSCI 3332 SOCI 3321	Principles of Economics I Introduction to the US Healthcare System US Foreign Policy Constitutional Law Social Inequality

 

Competency 8 - Global and Intercultural Awareness

In Tier 1, the student will be able to interpret various aspects of another society's material and expressive culture; identify differences among the culture being studied and other cultures; and explain some of the cultural practices related to the formation of social identities. This can be accomplished in the following courses: 

CC8 - Global and Intercultural Awareness Tier 1	Number	Title
	ARBC 1101 ARBC 1102 ARBC 2201 CHIN 1101 CHIN 1102 CHIN 2201 DIET 1175 ENGL 2201 ENGL 2202 ENGL 2262 FREN 1101 FREN 1102 FREN 2201 GERM 1101 GERM 1102 GLBS 1100 GLBS 4405 HTMG 3305 HTMG 3307 HTMG 3312 ITAL 1101 ITAL 1102 ITAL 2201 LSTD 3350 MUSC 1112 PRSN 1101 PRSN 1102 PSCI 2241 RUSS 1101 RUSS 1102 RUSS 2201 SPAN 1101 SPAN 1102 SPAN 2201	Elementary Arabic I Elementary Arabic II Intermediate Arabic I Conversational Chinese I Conversational Chinese II Intermediate Chinese I Food, Nutrition, and Culture Early World Literature Modern World Literature Immigrant Literature Elementary French I Elementary French II Intermediate French I Elementary German I Elementary German II Introduction to Global Studies Contemporary Italian Life and Culture Wine Appreciation Cultural Understanding of Food and Cuisine Unconventional Foods Elementary Italian I Elementary Italian II Intermediate Italian I Global Legal Systems Introduction to World Music Elementary Persian I Elementary Persian II International Relations Elementary Russian I Elementary Russian II Intermediate Russian I Elementary Spanish I Elementary Spanish II Intermediate Spanish I

In Tier 2, the student will be able to interpret aspects of the material and expressive culture of a specific region and/or group; evaluate differences among the culture being studied and other cultures; and analyze the cultural practices of a specific region and/or group. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC8 - Global and Intercultural Awareness Tier 2	Number	Title
	ARBC 2202 ARBC 3301 BUSL 2201 CHIN 2202 CHIN 3301 ECON 2200 ENGL 2217 ENGL 2218 ENGL 3325 ENGL 4406 ENGL 4407 ENGL 4408 ENGL 4409 FREN 2202 GLBS 4403 HTMG 4405 HTMG 4407 ITAL 2202 ITAL 3301 ITAL 4410 ITAL 4411 LSTD 3370 RUSS 2202 RUSS 3301 RUSS 3303 SPAN 2202 SPAN 3301 SPAN 3302 SPAN 4401 SPAN 4402	Intermediate Arabic II Advanced Arabic International Business Law Intermediate Chinese II Advanced Chinese Global Economy African American Literature I African American Literature II Irish Literature International Literature - Russia International Literature - France International Literature - Germany International Literature - Spain Intermediate French II Russian Culture Through Literature, Film, and the Media Top Shelf High End Wines and Spirits Food in America Intermediate Italian II Advanced Italian Italian Literature of Migration Crime and Punishment in Italian Literature Law and Culture: Study Abroad Intermediate Russian I Advanced Russian Advanced Russian: Focus on Reading and Translation Intermediate Spanish II Advanced Spanish: Composition Advanced Spanish: Conversation Latin American Culture Through Literature and the Media US Latino Literature and Culture

 

Competency 9 - Perspectives on Creative Arts

In Tier 1, the student will be able to describe various forms of creative arts as expressive and material culture in social contexts; examine the respective roles of technique, process, and methodology needed to produce creative artworks in various media forms; and draw conclusions about the use and function of a creative art practice and/or specific artworks within historical and/or cultural contexts. This can be accomplished in the following courses:

CC9 - Perspectives on Creative Arts Tier 1	Number	Title
	ARTS 1101 ARTS 2231 ARTS 2232 ARTS 2233 ENGL 2200 ENGL 2201 ENGL 2202 ENGL 2211 ENGL 2212 ENGL 2213 ENGL 2214 ENGL 2217 ENGL 2218 ENGL 2235 ENGL 2260 ENGL 2262 ENGL 2275 ENGL 2281 ENGL 3323 ENGL 3325 ENGL 3341 ENGL 3353 ENGL 3356 ENGL 3365 ENGL 3371 ENGL 3375 ENGL 3385 ENGL 3390 ENGL 3392 ENGL 3393 ENGL 3394 ENGL 3395 ENGL 4406 ENGL 4407 ENGL 4408 ENGL 4409 ENGL 4481-4489 INTD 2209 INTD 2210 MUSC 1111 MUSC 1112 THEA 1131 THEA 1132	Introduction to Studio Art History of Art I History of Art II Art and Science of Renaissance Italy Studies in Literature Early World Literature Modern World Literature Early British Writers Modern British Writers Early American Writers Modern American Writers African American Literature I African American Literature II The Graphic Novel The Short Story Immigrant Literature Popular Lyrics Science Fiction Renaissance in England Irish Literature Shakespeare Literature of the Romantic Era Victorian Literature The Bible as Literature Literature of the Neoclassic Era American Literature Between World Wars Contemporary American Literature The Novel in English Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville Mark Twain American Humor American Realism International Literature - Russia International Literature - France International Literature - Germany International Literature - Spain Special Topics in Literature History of Architecture and Interior Design I History of Architecture and Interior Design II Introduction to Music Introduction to World Music Introduction to Theater Introduction to Contemporary Performance

In Tier 2, the student will be able to analyze and/or produce one or more creative art forms and/or works of art; incorporate elements of technique, process, and methodology in the making and/or analysis of art; and employ reflection and/or revision in the appraisal or making of art. This can be accomplished in the following courses: 

CC9 - Perspectives on Creative Arts Tier 2	Number	Title
	ARTS 3331 ARTS 3333 ARTS 3340 DRAW 4490 DRAW 4495 ENGL 2251 ENGL 2267 ENGL 2277 ENGL 2287 ENGL 3315 ENGL 3345 ENGL 3355 ILLU 4460 MUSC 2211 PNTG 4460 PNTG 4465 SCLP 4480 SCLP 4485 THEA 1150 THEA 2241 THEA 2242	Contemporary Art Survey of African American Art Contemp Issues of Art and Environment Senior Studio: Drawing Part I Senior Studio: Drawing Part II Narrative Nonfiction Introduction to Creative Writing Poetic Form and Formal Experimentation Story Structure and Narrative Form Production Dramaturgy Advanced Poetry Workshop Advanced Fiction Workshop Senior Project: Illustration Part I History of Rock Senior Studio: Painting Part I Senior Studio: Painting Part II Senior Studio: Sculpture Part I Senior Studio: Sculpture Part II Introduction to Acting Theatrical Roots and Rituals Theatrical Manifestos and Movements