Core Dimension

The design of our Core complements the way people make educated decisions. Just as that process integrates ideas and feelings and sources of knowledge, the Core is an interdisciplinary curriculum.

The integration of subjects reflects the interdisciplinarity of life and makes for more sophisticated analysis of issues and ideas.
The Inquiry Method fosters habits of mind and practices that employers are looking for, beyond technical skills.
Because cohort study fosters stronger connections among students, you will take Core concepts and Rhetoric I and II—two writing classes—with the same group of people.
By studying primary sources or contemporary books, rather than textbooks, you grapple with ideas rather than pre-digested concepts. Some authors whom you study make presentations on campus, which further enriches your learning.
Students learn to sharpen their decision making and ability to make the best possible choices, professionally and personally.

Employers’ Wish List

Source: August 2007 CollegeGrad.com

Problem-solving
Ability to question: recognition that questions are often more important than answers
Group work/Cross-disciplinary teamwork
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Creativity
Flexibility
Self-knowledge
Global perspective
Continuous learning mode

Freshman Core

Concepts of the Self helps students make the transition from the kind of learning that is prevalent in high school—finding the answer—to a more reflective learning style. Some philosophers call this style “sitting with the questions,” and it leads you to think more deeply and thoughtfully. The disciplines studied—science, psychology, art, literature—are most helpful in exploring questions related to the self.

Concepts of Community deepens your exposure to interdisciplinary thought and practice through the disciplines of history, philosophy, sociology and economics. This semester also includes Champlain’s unique Global Module, which enables your class to communicate with students in another country about an important problem or issue.

Sophomore Core

The theme for this year, Great Movements in Western culture, focuses on Scientific Revolutions and Aesthetic Expressions in the fall, and The Secular & the Sacred and Capitalism & Democracy in the spring. These courses provide an overview of western civilization and its shaping influence on the world.

Junior Core

As part of Global Experience, the junior year’s theme, many students will study abroad one semester, perhaps at Champlain’s campuses in Montréal or Dublin. This year pairs a technology course with another course, and includes courses that focus on examined experiences in culture and place.

Senior Core

This year your multidimensional learning forms a whole, as you begin to integrate the Core’s intellectual approach and your professional studies. A capstone project, which could be a thesis or community-based project, helps you synthesize—and articulate—everything you have learned at Champlain.