How are Core courses different from General Education courses at other colleges?

Typically, general education courses provide an introductory survey of an individual academic discipline (e.g. Introduction to Philosophy, Economics 101, Principles of Sociology). The courses are partially intended to attract students to a traditional academic major. Our Core courses involve several disciplines because we believe it is more important for professional students to learn how to approach real-world problems from a variety of perspectives and to be well-practiced in integrating knowledge.

What is the Inquiry Method?

In the Inquiry Method, students are guided to explore content to answer particular questions. These questions are often "big" questions that cannot be satisfied without considering the viewpoint of multiple disciplines. The emphasis in the Inquiry Method is on learning to think critically and to reflect on and become cognizant of this process. Inquiry isn’t about memorizing facts; instead it is about forming an educated response to what you encounter in the world.

What disciplines are covered in the Core Sequence, and how were they chosen?

The disciplines covered in the Core Sequence are history, economics, philosophy, psychology, natural science, literature, arts and aesthetics, and sociology. These were selected by a group of faculty members chosen from every division within the College. As the Core faculty develops we will also address political science, anthropology, art history, and religion. The list of disciplines represents those fields which best address a true general education that will equip our students to succeed in facing personal and professional challenges in the 21st century.

Who teaches in the Core Sequence?

Faculty members who are trained in a variety of academic fields teach in the Core Sequence. Their areas of specialty do not matter as much, however, as their passion for teaching and learning. Because the Inquiry Method emphasizes shared responsibility for investigation, our faculty members are skilled facilitators who encourage curiosity and collaboration in order to work toward the shared goals of deep personal and global awareness.

What types of books do students read in the Core Sequence?

In the Core Sequence courses, texts focus on original sources, the actual works of significant scholars and artists. These are supplemented by carefully selected secondary works that illustrate the depth or breadth of a particular discipline or offer particularly important interpretations or analysis of the course content. As a general rule, Core Sequence courses do not use standard textbooks.

What is an electronic portfolio, and how is it being used in the Core Sequence?

An electronic portfolio is a means to assemble artifacts (e.g., papers, presentations, videos, etc.) created for a variety of purposes and present them as a single representation of your work. It was designed as a means of highlighting the integrative thinking and interdisciplinary learning that is at the center of the Core curriculum. The Core ePort enables you to: collect your work; integrate learning across Core, program, and non-academic experiences; and make a structured and concise presentation of your accomplishments throughout your four years at the College. Collectively the portfolios allow faculty to focus conversations about teaching and learning on student work and their assessments of student progress.

What is a Global Module?

A Global Module is a short, intensive thematic online discussion with university students overseas. You will find Global Modules embedded as graded assignments in selected Core classes. The online discussions will allow you to discuss topics such as globalization or terrorism or gender issues with fellow students around the world, which will allow you to learn more about the world while also strengthening your critical and creative thinking skills—and hopefully making new friends in the process.

Check out our Global Module Blog to read several real-life accounts of Champlain students who are traveling the world and addressing crucial international issues.

What opportunities will be provided for students who don’t want to spend a semester abroad?

While Champlain College hopes that every student will choose to spend a semester abroad as part of the third year Core Sequence, there will be alternatives for students who face obstacles to studying abroad for a term. For instance, some courses may combine semester-long classroom study with a brief trip at the end of the semester. An opportunity to study and work with a locally-based immigrant population may provide another alternative. One of the signature components of the third year Core Sequence is cultural immersion, and we recognize that one size will not fit all in achieving this goal.

Does the Core curriculum limit the opportunity to take elective courses?

No. The Core Sequence is comprised of 35 hours of coursework, with an additional 6-hour cultural immersion component. Other requirements, as well as allowance for electives, depend on the professional program of study you have chosen as your major. It is true that some programs have room for very few electives.