Foundational Competencies

Written Expression

Depending on placement, each student must complete either course or the two-course sequence of course and course. The level of placement is determined on the basis of individual needs as indicated by test scores submitted at the time of admission and by high school GPA. This is the university’s first step toward ensuring that all students write well. Here they learn to articulate arguments, integrate sources, document ethically, and write with clarity. Writing courses are essential throughout the core and the major. Students in the Honors program can fulfill their Core written expression requirement by successfully completing (with a C- or above) course, the Honors Colloquium. Competence in written expression is further developed through writing required in all integrated courses and in one writing-intensive course in the major.

Students must earn at least a C- in their foundational writing course to fulfill the Core requirement. Students who earn a grade below C- will be required to re-take the course.

Oral Expression

Each student must complete course. This is the university’s first step toward ensuring that all students speak well. Here they learn to defend an oral thesis, develop ideas with appropriate evidence, analyze and adapt to audiences, and develop critical listening skills. Students are expected to become competent in the effective oral presentation of ideas in informative, argumentative, and persuasive situations while using appropriate technology. While many courses involve additional presentations, each major is also required to include an Oral Presentation (OP) experience.

Students must successfully complete their foundational oral expression course to fulfill the Core requirement. Students who do not successfully complete the class will be required to re-take the course.

Quantitative Analysis (QA)

Each student must complete a designated QA course. This is the university’s first step toward ensuring that all students can reason with numbers. It is not a course in mathematical calculation, but a course in the ability to interpret data and make cogent arguments using numbers. Here students learn to find and pose precise questions that can be answered through quantitative data, draw inferences, represent data, think critically about quantitative statements, and recognize sources of error.

Students must successfully complete their foundational quantitative analysis course to fulfill the Core requirement. Students who do not successfully complete the class will be required to re-take the course.

Semesterly QA course offerings are available via the Banner Self-Service Schedule Search.

Note: The Core Committee reviews and approves all new core courses. While the course attributes noted on each course in this Bulletin are accurate when the Bulletin was released, it cannot reflect changes made since that time. Verify Core Designations online during the registration process by seeking the relevant course codes (QA, EGC, ISJ, etc.) in the Banner registration program.