At the inception of our institution, Dexter Edgar Converse articulated a vision of an educational experience that would transform and empower graduates to “see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.” The Converse Core celebrates this liberal arts ideal by equipping all students with a broad-based understanding of the natural and social dimensions of the world, the intellectual and practical skills to successfully navigate and change that world, and the capacity to take personal and social responsibility in their lives and communities.
This section outlines the general education requirements associated with "Seeing Clearly" and includes the categories outlined below. Students pursuing a major that has adopted the Essential Core should consult with their advisor.
Category | Foundational Core (Hours) | Comprehensive Core (Hours) |
Textual Analysis | 6 | 6 |
Natural Sciences | 4 | 4 |
Social Sciences | 3 | 6 |
Arts | 3 | 6 |
Humanities | 3 | 6 |
Textual Analysis
Required hours: 6 for Foundational and Comprehensive Core Models; students pursuing the Essential Core should consult their program advisor.
We live in a social world saturated in texts, encompassing everything from literature to visual culture, historical primary sources, news media and social media posts, and advertising. The Converse Core helps develop informed and responsible readers who will…
- Demonstrate sustained and critical engagement with primary sources or original creative works;
- Demonstrate familiarity with major authors, works, and movements in specific periods or traditions of textual production from a variety of genres and with attention to relevant historical, cultural, and sociopolitical contexts;
- Apply theoretical and critical frameworks to the analysis of texts.
Courses from a variety of disciplines may be used to satisfy the textual analysis requirement and will be updated on the Converse Core matrix each term.
Natural Sciences
Required Hours: 4 for Foundational and Comprehensive Core Models; Students pursuing the Essential Core should consult with their program advisor.
The empirical methods of the natural sciences have delivered impressive advances in technology and our understanding of the physical world. The Converse Core helps students better appreciate the experimental nature of science and empowers them to more accurately analyze the means of production of scientific knowledge.
Toward this end, students will complete at least one natural science course that includes a laboratory component from the disciplines of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, or Physics.
Social Sciences
Required hours: 3 for Foundational Core, 6 for Comprehensive Core. Students pursuing Essential Core should consult with program advisor.
The qualitative and quantitative methods of the social sciences help foster a deeper understanding of human behavior as well as the political, economic, and familial structures that shape our lives.
Students will explore the social sciences through coursework in anthropology, geography, economics, politics, psychology, and sociology.
Arts
Required Hours: 3 for Foundational Core, 6 for Comprehensive Core. Students pursuing Essential Core should consult with program advisor.
The arts are an essential component of a full life and constitute a powerful pathway for passion, inspiration, imagination, discovery, expression, transformation, and joy. Toward this end, students will take courses aimed at cultivating their capacity to…
- Develop a deeper appreciation of an art form (or forms); and
- Be able to communicate that appreciation through the sharing of knowledge about an art form.
Students will select coursework from art, dance, design, film, music, and theatre.
Humanities
Required Hours: 3 for Foundational Core, 6 for Comprehensive Core. Students pursuing the Essential Core should consult their program advisor.
The study of the humanities involves the critical examination of the histories and philosophies that shape individual and collective human experience and meaning-making. The humanities teach broadly applicable skills in evaluative thinking, rational problem solving, intellectual humility and creativity, and an appreciation for our shared humanity.
Students will take courses in history, philosophy, religion, or women's studies.