The New Core

The First-Year Experience (PDF or Word file)

The Core Curriculum Committee was convened as part of an exploration of the state of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Core Curriculum, a process detailed in Appendix A, Development and Implementation Timeline.  In its investigation, the Committee drew upon the NSSE and BSSE results; research into best practices in liberal education, both in theory and in practice at peer institutions; and intensive consultation with faculty, staff, administration, and students.  The Committee’s work was also informed by the Common Learning Goals (CLGs), which were passed unanimously by the faculty in March 2008.

This is a dynamic, living document, subject to review and revision as the faculty see fit. This framework embodies and reflects tested, proven best practices in a number of areas (FYE, verticality, interdisciplinary & problem-based courses), clearly and uniquely adapted to our mission, values, and structure.

It moves away from prescription, toward encouraging faculty to explore questions and ways-of-knowing in terms best suited to their skills and interests, and reflects the optimum balance of interests possible, given our institutional makeup and character.

In sum, we believe this framework thoroughly incorporates best-practice ideas in Liberal Education, while taking full account of the needs of our Professional students.