The University of San Francisco, as a Jesuit, Catholic,
urban University with a global perspective, is committed to educating
leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. The University's
Core Curriculum embodies the Jesuit, Catholic tradition that views
faith, reason, and service to others as complementary resources in the
search for truth and full human development. The Core promotes these
values through their integration across the curriculum. As it develops
its course offerings, the University affirms its commitment to provide
our students with learning opportunities that embrace the fullness of
the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Learning Goals for the Core Curriculum
The following general learning goals guide the development
of the curriculum:
- Students should be able to speak and write
effectively.
- Students should be able to express ideas in an
articulate and persuasive way.
- Students should be able to understand a mathematical
problem and design a solution.
- Students should be exposed to a wide breadth of
disciplines, as a foundation for a general liberal arts education.
- Students should understand the process of seeking
truth and disseminating knowledge.
- Students should understand historical traditions.
- Students should appreciate and be able to critically
evaluate the arts.
- Students should understand the nature of society and
the relationships between individuals and groups.
- Students should understand the nature of the physical
world, the uses of the scientific method, and the implications of
technology.
- Students should comprehend the variations of people's
relationship with God and develop respect for the religious beliefs of
others.
- Students should understand the moral dimension of
every significant human choice, taking seriously how and who we choose
to be in the world.
- Students should understand and value cultural and
ethnic differences in a multicultural society and globalizing world.
- Students should gain the skills and experiences
necessary to link education to service.
- Students should be exposed to opportunities to work
for social justice.
Core Curriculum Requirements
The University requirements for the baccalaureate degree
include completion of the Core Curriculum.
Students must check with their advisors to determine which
courses meet the requirements in each Area.
Area A: Foundations of Communication (8 credits)
- Public Speaking (4 credits)
- Rhetoric and Composition (4 credits)
Area B: Math and the Sciences (8 credits)
- Math or Quantitative Science (4 credits)
- Applied or Laboratory Science (4 credits)
Area C: Humanities (8 credits)
- Literature (4 credits)
- History (4 credits)
Area D: Philosophy, Theology and Religious
Studies, and Ethics (12 credits)
- Philosophy (4 credits)
- Theology and Religious Studies (4 credits)
- Ethics (4 credits)
Area E: Social Sciences (4 credits)
- Social Sciences (4 credits)
Area F: Visual and Performing Arts (4 credits)
- Visual and Performing Arts (4 credits)
Integration of Service Learning and Cultural
Diversity
Total Core Curriculum Requirements: 44 credits
* Students must complete RHET 120, RHET 130/131, RHET 195 or RHET
250 with a grade of C- or better.
Additional University Mission Requirements
In addition to completing the Core Curriculum requirements,
the baccalaureate degree candidate will have completed a minimum of two
courses within the Core or within his/her major that integrate two
mission-driven characteristics:
Service Learning and Cultural Diversity. These requirements
may be met by completing course sections designated as "SL" and"CD".
Courses that integrate service learning as well as courses that meet the
Cultural Diversity designation are offered across disciplines and
schools.
The Cultural Diversity Requirement will be met by courses
that promote understanding and appreciation of the richness and
diversity of human culture. The Service Learning Requirement will be
met by courses that integrate a form of community/public service into
the academic undergraduate learning experience.
