The Core Curriculum
UDM is a Catholic institution whose mission
flows from the educational traditions of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
and the Society of Jesus. It seeks to produce graduates who:
• Reflect on the meaning of their lives
• Think and communicate clearly, imaginatively and effectively
• Possess the skills and competencies of a college education
• Understand diverse cultural heritages
• Have a sense of social responsibility and a desire to serve society
In brief, the UDM mission statement
describes an education that integrates "the intellectual, spiritual, moral
and social development" of its students.
The University Core Curriculum consists of a
set of requirements based on objectives that express, in fuller detail, this
academic purpose. Each objective, and the requirements designed to fulfill that
objective, is essential to achieve the University mission.
Proficiency in writing, speaking,
mathematics, and computer skills is essential for success in higher education
and in the pursuit of a career. Scientific literacy demands familiarity with
scientific methods and findings of the natural and social sciences. Courses in
philosophy and religious studies expose students to the ultimate questions
about the meaning of life and emphasize UDM’s distinctive Catholic nature.
Through studies in historical, literary, aesthetic and comparative experiences,
students should also learn to understand and appreciate cultural heritage.
These studies, and those of the arts in particular, aim at developing an
aesthetic sensitivity which complements the skills stressed in other areas of
the curriculum. The final objective dealing with "social
responsibility" expresses the University’s concern for the moral and
social development of its students and for its goal to imbue graduates with a
desire to serve society.
Some colleges/schools have particular
courses required from among those established as satisfying University
requirements. Some colleges have received approval to modify the core for
students in particular programs or curriculums. These modifications, as well as
a current list of approved core courses, are published in the Schedule of
Classes issued for each term.
Objective 1 (6 hours)
Communication Skills
Writing: The student must demonstrate proficiency in writing
and facility with the writing process by developing coherent and logical
essays.
Speech: The student must prepare and deliver a public presentation that is
carefully reasoned, properly organized, and effectively delivered.
Objective 2 (6 hours )
Mathematical and Computer Skills
Mathematics: The student must address mathematical problems at
the level called for by college or program requirements.
Computer: The student must be able to employ computer
technology as demanded by college or program requirements.
Objective 3 (9 hours)
Scientific Literacy
The student must learn about scientific
methods and the various forms they assume in the natural and social sciences.
The student must also understand the role of the sciences and technology in
shaping contemporary society.
A. Social Science (3 hours)
B. Natural Science (3 hours)
C. Social Science or Natural Science (3 hours)
Objective 4 (9 hours)
Meaning and Value
The student must gain an understanding of
the ultimate questions of meaning and value addressed in philosophy and
religious studies.
A. Philosophy (3 hours)
B. Religious Studies (3 hours)
C. Philosophy or Religious Studies (3 hours - any PHL or RS course)
Objective 5 (12 hours)
Diverse Human Experience
The student must develop a knowledge and
appreciation of the humanities and fine arts and their contributions to Western
and other cultures.
A. Historical Experiences: a knowledge of movements that
formed civilizations.
(3 hours)
B. Literary Experiences: a knowledge and appreciation of important literary
works.
(3 hours)
C. Aesthetic Experiences: an understanding and appreciation of significant
works of art, architecture, drama or music. (3 hours)
D. Comparative Experiences: a knowledge and appreciation of cultures different
from one’s own, or study of a foreign language. (3 hours)
Objective 6 (6 hours)
Social Responsibility
The student must develop a moral awareness
of problems confronting individuals and society, reason about them ethically,
and analyze and propose solutions.
A. Ethics: knowledge of the foundations of
moral judgments, understanding of the nature of ethical reasoning, and ability
to apply this knowledge in addressing contemporary moral issues. (3 hours)
B. Contemporary Socio-Political Problems: an ability to gather data, analyze
causes, and propose solutions to problems confronting contemporary society. (3
hours)