Core Curriculum Requirements
The Core Foundation/Proficiency attribute search terms are:
Civic Engagement, Diversity, Ethics, Fine Arts, Natural Science, Oral Communication, Philosophy, Physics-Based Natural Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, Theology, Writing I, Writing II
To search in the Catalog for courses that meet specific Core Foundation/Proficiency attributes, there are three options:
Use the Course Filter on the Course Descriptions page. Enter your desired search term in the “Keyword or Phrase” box and check the box beneath for “Find whole word or phrase only.”
Enter the desired search term, in quotes, in the Publication Search box.
Use the Advanced Search feature of the Publication Search. Click on the Advanced Search button and type in the desired search term in the “Enter a keyword or phrase” field, check the box beneath for “Find whole word or phrase only.”, and leave only the Courses checkbox checked. This will ensure that only courses containing the desired search term show.
In addition, users may visit the Core Curriculum site for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements and/or search the Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar.
Need assistance? Please contact the Office of the Registrar at 401.865.1033.
An interdisciplinary consideration of God and the transcendent. It introduces the history, methods, and importance of humanistic reflection on the source and measure of all created things and its influence on human culture. Possible themes include the existence and nature of God, artistic and literary responses to the divine, universal search for transcendent meaning, and aspiration to contemplative union.
The capstone interdisciplinary seminar for Catholic Studies. Themes will vary depending on the instructor and topics chosen by the students. Students will complete a substantial writing project designed in consultation with the instructor and requiring integration of prior coursework. Senior status or permission of the Director required. Catholic Studies majors must have completed at least seven courses for the major.
The fundamental principles of chemistry, including laboratory instruction in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. For biology majors and those considering the biology major. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.) Not open to students with credit in CHM 121-122.
The fundamental principles of chemistry, including laboratory instruction in general chemistry and qualitative analysis. For biology majors and those considering the biology major. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.) Not open to students with credit in CHM 121-122. Prerequisites: CHM 101 or CHM 121.
Application of chemical principles to the solutions of environmental and societal problems facing man in today’s world and in the future. Designed for non-science majors; no prior knowledge of chemistry is required or assumed. (Lectures 3 hours.)
Explores the discovery and development of small molecules - from aspirin to acid - that have had an impact on human health. Focuses on the structure and properties of these molecules, and how these features intersect with disease and well-being. Designed for non-science majors; no prior knowledge of chemistry or biology is required or assumed. (Lectures 3 hours.)
CHM 107/107L - Chemistry for Nursing and Health Sciences
1 semester, 4 Credits
This one-semester course covers general, organic, and biochemistry principles and their applications in Nursing and Health Sciences, with a laboratory section following the lecture topics. This course aims to distill the methods and theories described in these various fields of chemistry and skills to explain the basic chemical phenomena that occur in the human body.
Studies the science of nutrition, the design of a healthful diet, the chemistry of the major food macromolecules and vitamins, and cellular metabolism. Also discusses the aspects of nutrition that are relevant to contemporary society. Course activities include interactive lectures, case studies, molecular modeling, and laboratory exercises. Designed for non-science majors: no prior knowledge of chemistry is required or assumed.
Enhances student understanding of fundamental scientific principles of chemistry, as well as the science of food and cooking. Students will learn and use methods of scientific discovery/inquiry, as well as disciplinary methods of chemistry, to better understand the molecular basis of and importance of science in food and cooking. Designed for non-science majors: no prior knowledge of chemistry is required or assumed.
Enhance student understanding of fundamental scientific principles of chemistry as well as the science behind the latest successes (and failures) in the world of start-ups and entrepreneurship. Students will learn/use methods of scientific discovery/inquiry to understand the molecular basis for a range of current topics including advances in medicine, alternative sources of energy and material science.
An introductory chemistry course covering topics such as periodic trends, descriptive chemistry of selected elements, atomic structure, thermodynamics, gas laws, equilibrium, molecular structure, chemical bonding, oxidation-reduction, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory instruction stresses quantitative analysis. For chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering-physics majors. Not open to students with credit in CHM 101 or CHM 102. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.
An introductory chemistry course covering topics such as periodic trends, descriptive chemistry of selected elements, atomic structure, thermodynamics, gas laws, equilibrium, molecular structure, chemical bonding, oxidation-reduction, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory instruction stresses quantitative analysis. For chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering-physics majors. Not open to students with credit in CHM 101 or CHM 102. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: CHM 101 or CHM 121.
How can you prepare for a career in biochemistry? One-credit lecture is open to all students who are interested in learning more about the field of biochemistry. Topics include the history of biochemistry, current topics in biochemistry, how to prepare for a career in biochemistry, employment opportunities, and challenges in the field. The class will meet for one hour per week.
Second semester freshmen may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty.
A study of the compounds of carbon utilizing a problem-oriented approach both in lecture and laboratory that emphasizes the use of spectroscopic methods. For biology majors. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.) Not open to students with credit in CHM 221-222. Prerequisites: CHM 102 or CHM 122.
A study of the compounds of carbon utilizing a problem-oriented approach both in lecture and laboratory that emphasizes the use of spectroscopic methods. For biology majors. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.) Not open to students with credit in CHM 221-222. Prerequisites: CHM 201 or CHM 221.
CHM 221/221L - Organic Chemistry I/Organic Chemistry I Lab
1 semester, 4 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 221L, 321, 331L, and 401L fulfills Writing II
A study of the compounds of carbon utilizing a problem-oriented approach both in lecture and laboratory that emphasizes the use of spectroscopic methods. For chemistry and biochemistry majors. Not open to students with credit in CHM 201 or CHM 202. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 102 or CHM 122.
CHM 222/222L - Organic Chemistry II/Organic Chemistry II Lab
1 semester, 4 credits-
A study of the compounds of carbon utilizing a problem-oriented approach both in lecture and laboratory that emphasizes the use of spectroscopic methods. For chemistry and biochemistry majors. Not open to students with credit in CHM 201 or CHM 202. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 201 or CHM 221.
Students in the sophomore year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty.
Students in the sophomore year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty.
An overview of the biochemical reactions associated with living cells. Topics include protein structure/function relationships; enzyme structure, mechanism, and inhibition; carbohydrate and lipid structure. The biochemical reactions of the cell are surveyed, including glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle, electron transport, gluconeogenesis, and lipid and amino acid metabolism. The case study approach is used throughout. (Lectures 3 hours.) Prerequisite: CHM 201 or CHM 221.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Writing II
An integrated lecture/laboratory course designed to teach students fundamental laboratory techniques in biochemistry. Experiments include buffer preparation, assays for the detection of biological components, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, enzyme kinetics, DNA isolation, and PCR analysis. Lectures cover experimental theory and methods of analysis. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. CHM 310L may not be taken concurrently with CHM 309.
CHM 311/311L - Chemistry of Materials/Chemistry of Materials Lab
1/2 semester, 2 credits-
The objective is to understand the fundamentals of polymer and nanomaterial chemistry. Students will learn how to prepare and characterize various types of polymers and nanomaterials. Introduces some new spectroscopic techniques used to characterize these materials and study the physical properties that make them exciting to study in the world of materials chemistry. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 101 and CHM 102 or CHM 121 and CHM 122.
A continuation of the concepts covered in CHM 309. A study of the various strategies of the control of metabolic pathways. Topics include cell signaling, transcription, translation, post-translational processing, regulation of gene expression, and vesicular traffic in the secretory and endocytic pathways. (Lecture 3 hours) Prerequisite: CHM 309.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 221L, 321, 331L, and 401L fulfills Writing II.
An examination of the equilibrium behavior of physical/chemical systems from the macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Thermodynamics with applications to phase and solution equilibria and reaction kinetics. For chemistry and biochemistry majors. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours.
CHM 322/322L - Physical Chemistry II/Physical Chemistry II Lab
1/2 semester, 2 credits-
Physical chemistry is the rationalization of chemical phenomena through the application of physics to subatomic, atomic, molecular, and particulate matter. Explores the field of quantum mechanics and quantum chemistry. Looks at how quantum theory has developed and is observed through spectroscopic techniques. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisites: MTH 132 and EPS 102.
CHM 331/331L - Advanced Analytical I/Advanced Analytical I Lab
1 semester, 4 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 221L, 321, 331L, and 401L fulfills Writing II.
The theory and practice of modern instrumental methods are presented. Emphasis is placed on the more important spectroscopic methods and chromatography, which are covered in depth. Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: MTH 304, EPS 102, and either CHM 202 or CHM 222.
This lecture and laboratory course in organic synthesis and structural analysis will explore new techniques using reactions beyond the sophomore-level curriculum to prepare molecules with complex structures. Students will use advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the structures of these compounds. The ultimate goal is to develop problem-solving skills by identifying and characterizing novel organic molecules. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: CHM 202 or CHM 222.
1 semester, 1 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 381, 382, 481, and 482 fulfills Oral Communication
Students will attend all seminars by outside speakers and senior chemistry and biochemistry majors, will write meaningful and constructive critiques of the senior seminar presentations, and will attend and participate in class sessions aimed at identifying a suitable seminar topic.
1 semester, 2 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 381, 382, 481, and 482 fulfills Oral Communication
In the junior year, students will construct and present three short developmental presentations leading to a final seminar on a topic from the field of chemistry that demonstrates an ability to read, interpret, and critique original research from the primary chemical literature.
Students in the junior year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty. Research may be taken at the student’s option for one, two, or three credits.
Students in the junior year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty. Research may be taken at the student’s option for one, two, or three credits.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Intensive Writing II
Structure and bonding in inorganic systems are the general subjects of this course. Both main group and transition metal chemistry are discussed. Lecture 3 hours.
1 semester, 1 credit- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 221L, 321, 331L, and 401L fulfills Writing II.
A laboratory course designed to teach techniques for the synthesis, purification, and characterization of inorganic compounds. Students will synthesize main group compounds and transition metals complexes. Characterization techniques will include magnetic susceptibility and NMR, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopies. Laboratory 4 hours. Corequisite: CHM 401.
CHM 432/432L - Advanced Analytical II/Advanced Analytical II Lab
1/2 semester, 2 credits-
This lecture and laboratory course is a continuation of Chemistry 331 exploring the theory and practice of modern instrumental methods. Emphasis is placed on atomic spectroscopy and electro-analytical methods. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: CHM 331.
Covers biochemical aspects of nutrition, including digestion, absorption, and integrated metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. The role of hormones in feeding, fasting, and exercise is discussed. The components of energy expenditure and the regulation of body weight are covered. Also covers the politics of our food distribution system including the roles of government and agribusiness.
1 semester, 2 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Completion of CHM 381, 382, 481, and 482 fulfills Oral Communication
In the senior year, students will construct and present three short developmental presentations leading to a final seminar on a topic from the field of chemistry- often an area related to their own research- that demonstrates an ability to read, interpret, and critique research from the primary chemical literature. Prerequisite CHM 382.
Students in the senior year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty. Research may be taken at the student’s option for one, two, or three credits.
Students in the senior year may elect to engage in an original laboratory or theoretical problem in chemistry or biochemistry in collaboration with a member of the faculty. Research may be taken at the student’s option for one, two, or three credits.
CLA 200 - Art of the Ancient Classical World (Crete, Greece, and Rome)
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Fine Arts
An introduction to art from Cycladic figures in the Aegean to the Parthenon in Athens; from the frescoes of Pompeii to the fall of Rome. Same as ARH 200Prerequisite: ARH 106 suggested.
Intended as an introduction to masterpieces of Greek and Roman literature. To the extent possible, students will read complete works by major Greek and Roman authors in the best modern translations available. Each semester will focus on some great theme in these ancient literatures. Course may be repeated for credit.
Intended as an introduction to masterpieces of Greek and Roman literature. To the extent possible, students will read complete works by major Greek and Roman authors in the best modern translations available. Each semester will focus on some great theme in these ancient literatures. Course may be repeated for credit.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication
Challenges students to develop oral communication proficiency by studying ancient rhetorical theory and using it to create original specimens of persuasive speech. By examining the theory and directly applying it, students will become more effective speakers and more critical listeners.
Traces the influence of Greece, Rome, and the ancient Near East (Egypt, Mesopotamia) on the United States of America from colonial times to the present. Develops an appreciation for the profound influence of antiquity in such areas as history, government, art, architecture, and literature. No knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. Same as AMS 211 and HIS 211. Previously CLA 427.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication
Surveys Greek and Roman stories about the gods, heroes, monsters, and the universe, and considers how they reflect the cultures that produced them, and illustrates their influence upon the art, literature, and culture of the medieval through the modern world.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Diversity II; Writing I
Examines themes of horror and the grotesque in Greek and Roman literature, history, and culture, including cannibalism and gore, the supernatural, the monstrous feminine, atypical bodies and disability, otherness and foreignness, beauty and ugliness, and more. Same as HIS 341.Prerequisite: DWC 101.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication
An exploration of the political and social history of the Roman Republic and Empire through comedy and satire. Readings from Plautus, Lucilius, Horace, Petronius, and Juvenal are paired with historical evidence to reveal how the ancient Romans used satire to respond to political and social change. Same as HIS 362 and PSC 362.Prerequisite: DWC 101
A prerequisite to the Honors Thesis in History (HIS 490) or Classics (CLA 492). It consists of both weekly group discussions to review the process of writing a thesis and any challenges students are facing in their research and writing, and one-on-one in-depth discussions of the student’s research and written work. Same as HIS 489.Prerequisite: Permission of the CLA department.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Writing II
Working one-on-one with a faculty member from classics, students research and write a minimum forty-fifty-page thesis on a relevant topic of their choice. The final product must demonstrate research in primary sources, historical interpretation, critical analysis, accurate scholarly documentation, and (ideally) make an original contribution to the field in question. Prerequisites: CLA 489 and the approval of the CLA department.
Provides a third semester of study in Ancient Greek. Begins with an intensive review of Greek grammar and vocabulary from the elementary level, and then turns to the translation and study of passages from selected authors. Emphasis is given to accurate translation, style, grammar, and context/significance of the passages.
Provides a fourth semester of study in Ancient Greek. Focuses on the study, reading, and translation of original Greek texts. Emphasis is given to accurate translation, style, grammar, and context/significance of the passages. Greek authors and texts studied each semester will vary. Prerequisite: GRK 201 or permission of the instructor.
Provides advanced training in ancient Greek. Course material will vary depending on the semester, with students reading the works of such authors as Thucydides, Herodotus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: GRK 202 or permission of instructor.
Provides advanced training in ancient Greek. Course material will vary depending on the semester, with students reading the works of such authors as Thucydides, Herodotus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: GRK 202 or permission of instructor.
Provides advanced training in ancient Latin. Course material will vary depending on the semester, with students reading the works of such authors as Livy, Tacitus, Ovid, and Seneca. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: LAT 202 or permission of instructor.
Provides advanced training in ancient Latin. Course material will vary depending on the semester, with students reading the works of such authors as Livy, Tacitus, Ovid, and Seneca. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: LAT 202 or permission of instructor.
As an introduction to the communication discipline, this course examines the process of meaning construction through communication. Topics discussed are the multiple forms of communication, including face-to-face, verbal/non-verbal, small group, intercultural, organizational, and mediated communication. Open to freshmen and sophomores only.
Explores how the media reflect economics, political, cultural, and social dynamics, and how they shape social organization, beliefs, and behaviors. Focus on media institutions, technologies, contents, and effects in broad societal and cultural context. Applies diverse theoretical perspectives to concrete examples of media production, representation and practice. Prerequisite: COM 100.
This course is designed to provide a flexible space for the development of new or case-study-style courses in the field of Communication. This course offers students an in-depth engagement with a specific topic, area, theory, or issue within the field. Prerequisite: COM 100.
Through the Internship course, you will secure and participate in a semester-long, practical experience in the field of Communication. We will also meet regularly to discuss your progress and potential challenges in your site experiences. Through the course, we will work to develop your professional portfolios and application materials. Prerequisite: COM 100.
Introduces students to key theories within the field of media studies using in-depth analysis of popular topics in mass media and popular culture as they occur in real-time. Students will develop an understanding of core theories in the field and enhance their ability to identify and apply these theories as they relate to real-world events. Prerequisite: COM 100.
The independent study course provides an opportunity for an upper-level student of Communication to pursue in-depth, original research with a faculty member whose area of expertise is aligned with their own. Prerequisite: COM 100.
Introduction to the discipline of computer science, related computing fields, and the metacognitive skills required for the process of translating natural to formal language.
1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication
This is a course intended for non-majors. It includes extensive hands-on experience in Excel, Access, web programming, and other data processing tools. Students also develop their oral communication skills through several formal presentations.
A first course in the discipline of computer science. Emphasis is on forming the mind to translate from natural to formal language through computer programming. Main topics include variables, data types, control structures, functions, lists, files, sets and dictionaries, and recursive functions. Other topics like object-oriented programming may also be included. Includes a weekly lab.
A continuation of CSC 103. Topics include the use of Object Oriented Design Programming principles for writing efficient, maintainable, and reliable code using classes, inheritance, and polymorphism. Further topics include recursion, linked lists, testing, and debugging. Includes a weekly lab. Prerequisite: CSC 103.
Applied data analytics examines how organizations use data to gain insights and make better decisions by utilizing data modeling and statistical methods. Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data analytics will be covered, along with techniques for producing effective data visualizations.
Introduction to programming using the Python language. Coverage includes control flow, data types, and functions as well as lists, dictionaries, and object-oriented programming. Important current libraries are explored.
Data science fundamentals provides the student with the skills necessary to explore, clean, analyze, visualize, and mine data sets for information. Exploratory data analysis and visualization development will be examined in detail. Data mining, machine learning, and relational databases will also be explored. Prerequisites: CSC 103 and MTH 217.
A continuation of CSC 104 covering basic concepts of data organization and abstraction in the context of efficient software development. Topics include linked lists, queues, stacks, trees, and graphs. Practical implementation details such as time and space tradeoffs, memory management, abstract data type design, and use of built-in collections are emphasized. Prerequisite: CSC 104.