Gannon University

The Core of Discovery represents Gannon’s commitment to helping students develop the tools they will need to attain personal dreams and to serve the society they must lead. In the Core of Discovery, students are guided on an adventure of discovery and change which requires their continuous participation. At the center of Gannon University’s mission as a Catholic Liberal Arts institution, the Core of Discovery is a curriculum for living designed specifically to prepare our students for the life they will lead and the world in which they will live it. It is a curriculum grounded in interaction between students and the University community, a curriculum in which students participate by talking, listening, and being listened to. The Core of Discovery seeks to marry the intellectual vitality of liberal education with the practical education students require to succeed personally and professionally, developing along the way, the habits of lifelong learning and service. As Thoreau writes, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Upon successful completion of the Core of Discovery, students are expected to demonstrate the following outcomes:

1. Students understand major philosophical and theological principles in light of the Judeo-Christian tradition..
2. Students develop skill for writing and speaking with critical acumen and personal insight, and with clarity, precision, and persuasiveness in a variety of disciplines.
3. Students synthesize and apply the principles of science, technology, the social and behavioral sciences, and the personal values arrived at through philosophy and theology, to daily and professional life.
4. Students appreciate and evaluate significant literary and artistic works with the critical skills necessary for exercising informed literary and aesthetic judgments.
5. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and societies in an increasingly interdependent world.

These outcomes mark out the terrain over which a student must travel to arrive at the goal of being educated and free. To achieve these outcomes is challenging but also essential; challenging because the effort, discipline, and thought required are great; essential because they engage the student in the momentous issues of life. There are many ways a student may undertake to acquire these skills universally claimed as desirable. However, the surest and most effective way is a liberal education.

A liberally educated woman or man learns to read, write, speak, listen, understand, and think. We all practice these liberal arts, well or badly, every day. Therefore, they are not only indispensable; they are unavoidable. We cannot choose to be a human being; we can only choose whether we will be ignorant and undeveloped, or as expansive as the limits of human personality permit. The question is, in short, whether one will be a poor liberal artist or a good one.

The Core of Discovery constitutes the foundation and the framework of a Gannon University education. Because it takes its very identity from its Core of Discovery, Gannon University mandates for all baccalaureate students, without exception, completion of 39 core credits. For, as Mark Van Doren said, “Liberal Studies are by definition, studies which we are not at liberty to omit.”

Freshman Year
3 LENG 111 College Composition 3 LENG 112 Critical Analysis and Composition 3 LHST 111 History of the West and the World 3 LTHE 121 Sacred Scriptures 3 LPHI 231 Invitation to Philosophy
*Sophomore & Junior Years
3 LPHI 233 Philosophy II Series 3 LTHE 223 Theology II Series 3 LENG 240 Literature Series 3 LFIN 250/255 Fine Art Series 3 LTHE 227/LPHI 237 Theology/Philosophy III Series

Social Science - 3 credits
The Social Science requirement may be taken starting in the freshman year. A selection of courses is available to fulfill this requirement from the BCOR, ECON. HIST, POLI, PSYC, SCWK, SOCI prefixes. These courses include, but are not limited to:

BCOR 111	Principles of Microeconomics
BCOR 112	Principles of Macroeconomics
MGMT 316	Organizational Behavior
ECON 101	Basic Economics
HIST 121	or above
POLI 111	U.S. Government and Politics
POLI 122	Public Policy Analysis
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology
SCWK 212	Social Problems, Services, and Solutions
SOCI 110	Basic Sociology
SOCI 292	Cultural Anthropology

Science - 3 credits
Students NOT enrolled in Science or Technology programs are required to take a liberal studies science course. These courses are designated with BIOL, CHEM, or ENV prefixes in the semester schedule.
OR

Core Elective -  3 credits
Students who ARE enrolled in Science or Technology majors are required to take an approved Social Science, Humanities, or other elective course in place of the Science requirement. Academic departments and the Director of Liberal Studies determine approved courses.

Courses in the sophomore and junior years introduce students to an appreciation of art and literature and introduce them to major issues relating to human nature, individual and collective conduct, the natural world/science, the human community and God, and reveal how these shape people’s lives. Gannon aspires to have its faculty and students work “toward the attainment of a personal synthesis of faith and culture and of faith and life.”

Senior Year - 3 credits
LBST 383 Senior Seminar
OR
Approved Capstone: Those departments with an approved Capstone may substitute that course for the LBST 383 Senior Seminar.

The Core of Discovery Program includes an Integrating Seminar to be taken in the senior year. The primary objective of the seminar is to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate her or his capacity to integrate the concepts and methodologies presented in earlier Core of Discovery courses. Some academic departments have developed their own Integrating Seminar in conjunction with the Core of Discovery Program. These departments use that seminar to fulfill the LBST 383 requirement. What is important is that the specific design of each section of the Integrating Seminar gives evidence that it will accomplish the primary objective: to demonstrate the capacity to integrate alternate ways of knowing and learning in the study of a question or problem and the formulation of a new understanding of that question or solution to that problem. The seminar should point toward the development of the whole person, demonstrating the integration of the personal and professional life.

*Courses offered in a series, such as Theology and Philosophy, offer students a variety of choices for fulfilling the requirement. These courses are in continuous development and may change from semester to semester. For that reason, they cannot all be included in this catalog listing. Options will always appear in the Core of Discovery section of the semester’s schedule book.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Liberal Studies/BCOR 111: Principles of Microeconomics
This course focuses on an understanding of basic economics from a microeconomic standpoint. The specific topics explored will be scarcity, supply and demand, cost-production decision making, the operation of the firm in the product market under varying assumptions of competition, monopolistic competition, monopoly, oligopoly and the operation of the firm in the factor market.
Prerequisite: High School Algebra
3 credits

Liberal Studies/BCOR 112: Principles of Macroeconomics
This course seeks to develop an understanding of macroeconomic issues and theory and their application to current problem areas such as unemployment, economic growth and inflation. Additionally, the role of money, financial institutions, and the effectiveness of economic policy regarding control of the macroeconomy are explored.
Prerequisite: High School Algebra
3 credits

Liberal Studies/MGMT 316: Organizational Behavior
This course examines human behavior within the organization. Leadership, motivation, communication, participation and stress are topics of study.
Prerequisite: BCOR 251.
3 credits

*Liberal Studies/BIOL 101: General Biology
Introduces students to some of the many complex processes of living organisms. The course begins with a discussion of the characteristics of life and the scientific method of investigation. It also offers a brief introduction to chemistry, followed by a discussion of cellular structure and basic cellular functions. It concludes with a discussion of evolution and ecology
3 credits

*Liberal Studies/BIOL 103: Environmental Issues
A brief historical analysis of the evolution of the human species from early hominid form to the present. An investigation of the many factors impacting on the selection process which have led—-through response and adaptation—to the emergence of Homo sapiens as a distinct species. The second part of the course focuses on the various aspects of the world ecocrisis along with a survey of the major environmental health problems facing humanity today.
3 credits

*Liberal Studies/BIOL 104: Human Biology
Designed to introduce the student to some of the many complex yet fascinating processes of the human body. The basic structure and functions of each organ system are discussed. A review of basic chemistry will be undertaken, followed by a discussion of the structure of a typical cell and the organization of the human body.
3 credits

*Liberal Studies/CHEM 166: Issues in Science and Technology
Designed to present the principles of science, particularly chemistry, to enable one to better understand the world. It is also designed to not only improve the student’s ability to understand current problems, but also provide the basis for understanding future developments in the area of science and technology as they relate to the environment.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/ECON 101: Basic Economics
The main objective of the course is to interest students in economic issues and the application of economic methods to the study of these issues. Each semester the topics may include the following: the environment, the emerging global economy, poverty, unemployment, inflation, health care, crime, urban blight and labor productivity. Basic Economics meets the Social Science requirements for the Liberal Studies Core.
Prerequisite: High School Algebra
3 credits

ENV 110: Investigating Aquatic Environmental Problems
This is a hands-on environmental science course designed to acquaint students with the chemical, physical and biological components of Lake Erie. Basic limnological principles will be studied with an emphasis on the effect of human activities and pollution on the normal functioning of the Lake and its ecosystem. Field trips for sampling on Lake Erie utilizing Gannon’s research vessel the “Environaut” will be included. This course is designed for the non-science major. Cannot be used for Environmental Science major.
3 credits

*Liberal Studies/ENV 145: Understanding Earth’s Dynamics
This course is restricted to non-science majors, and satisfies the science requirement within the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum. This course integrates the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, pedosphere, mesosphere, and biosphere. The evolution of each sphere along with biogeochemical cycles are used as examples of how these different spheres interplay with each other. Students will have web assignments, video critiques, personal logs, lectures, and discussion about current environmental problems related to each sphere and its interaction with the other spheres. Social and ethical issues will be explored as they relate to global environmental problems.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LBST 383: Integrating Seminar
The Liberal Studies Program includes an Integrating Seminar to be taken in the senior year. The primary objective of the seminar is to provide the student with an opportunity to integrate the concepts and methodologies presented in earlier Liberal Studies courses.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LHST 111: History of the West and the World
The most important ideas, issues, problems, and developments that mark the changing fortunes of the West’s interaction with the world from the Seventeenth Century to the present.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 111: College Composition
The principles of logic, rhetoric, and language and their use in written discourse. Application of these theories to numerous reading and writing assignments. Much attention to basic writing skills.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 112: Critical Analysis and Composition
Development of the reading, research, and writing skills needed to use library resources to solve problems in a variety of disciplines, and relate these solutions to appropriate audiences.
Prerequisite: Liberal Studies/LENG 111
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 241: Prose Literature
This course helps students develop an appreciation, understanding and evaluation of prose literature as it reflects human experience in diverse cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/LENG 111, 112
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 243: Drama
This course helps students develop an appreciation, understanding and evaluation of drama as it reflects human experience in diverse cultural contexts. It includes an examination of tragedy, comedy, and tragicomedy from their cultural origins to the present.
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/LENG 111, 112
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 245: Poetry
This course helps students develop an appreciation, understanding and evaluation of poetry as it reflects human experience in diverse cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/LENG 111, 112 3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 247: Introduction to Literature
This course helps students develop an appreciation, understanding and evaluation of literature as it reflects human experience in diverse cultural contexts. The course focuses on the essential elements of prose, drama, and poetry.
Prerequisites: Liberal Studies/LENG 111, 112
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LENG 255: Art of Film
The components of film art, primarily as seen in short films; analysis of techniques and meaning of experimental, documentary, animated, and other types of film.
Prerequisites: LENG 111, 112; Cross listed with LFIN 254
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LFIN 250: Theatre and Culture
An exploration of theatre as an art form. Particular attention is given to examining the role of theatre in culture, focusing on the human being as the creator and consumer of the theatrical experience.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LFIN 251: Introduction to Music
The aim of this course is to guide the student to a more perceptive and meaningful enjoyment of the art of music. After having been acquainted with musical materials and procedures, the student will be introduced to selected works characteristic of different style periods.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LFIN 253: Introduction to the Visual Arts
An introductory examination of the nature and history of the Visual Arts (i.e., painting, sculpture, and architecture). The goal of the course is twofold: (a) to increase the student’s appreciation of the intrinsic elements found in works of art, and (b) to make the student more conscious of the various extrinsic conditions which have had an influence on the long history of the visual arts. Class sessions will be devoted to analysis of projected images of selected artworks.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LFIN 254: Art of Film
The components of film art, primarily as seen in short films; analysis of techniques and meaning of experimental, documentary, animation, and other types of film.
Prerequisites: LENG 111, 112; Cross listed with LENG 255.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 231: Invitation to Philosophy
An introduction to the terminology and method of philosophy. Discussion of human nature from the views of various philosophies, both traditional and contemporary. The student will also be introduced to the various systems of thought.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 233: Philosophy of God
A philosophical study of the existence, nature, and attributes of God.
Prerequisite: LPHI 231
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 235: Philosophy of Knowledge
A study of the possibility and validity of human knowledge, together with the criteria of truth.
Prerequisite: LPHI 231
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 237: Philosophy of Ethical Responsibility
A survey and evaluation of basic issues in the major ethical theories. The discussion of ethical systems is focused on such central points as the distinction between good and evil, conscience, duty and obligation, natural law, love, freedom and responsibility.
Prerequisite: LPHI 231
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 239: Philosophy of Science
A brief historical survey of the various approaches to science. An analysis of the scientific method. A survey of the major areas of science to see specific applications of the scientific method and to philosophically evaluate the results.
Prerequisite: LPHI 231
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LPHI 240: Philosophy of Education
A critical examination of the goals and methods of education, especially as they relate to ethics and politics. Readings will be drawn from historical philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau and Dewey as well as contemporary philosophical analysis of educational institutions.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LTHE 121: Introduction to Sacred Scripture
A study of the Christian concept of God’s self-revelation in the history of Israel and climactically in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LTHE 223: The Catholic Tradition
A study of some of the basic Roman Catholic beliefs concerning Jesus Christ, the Church, Worship and Sacrament.
Prerequisite: LTHE 121
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LTHE 225: The Protestant Tradition
A study of the development of Christianity with special emphasis on the Protestant Reformation and the thinking of significant contemporary Protestant theologians.
Prerequisite: LTHE 121
3 credits

Liberal Studies/LTHE 227: The Theology of Moral Responsibility
A study of Christian ethical response based on God’s Word in Revelation and in the teachings of the believing community.
Prerequisite: LTHE 121
3 credits

Liberal Studies/POLI 111: U.S. Government and Politics
The primary goal of this course is to help students understand politics and the political process of the American National Government. It covers the standard features of U.S. politics—the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, political parties, Congress, the presidency, the courts. Students also learn how to analyze political events and how to relate their own values to politics.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/POLI 122: Public Policy Analysis
Designed to introduce students to public policymaking at the national level of government and acquaint students with the political dynamics of the policy process. Emphasizes the importance of political institutions and their formal procedures, with particular stress on the budget process and presidential agenda setting. Social justice, social welfare, and health and labor policies are also emphasized.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/PSYC 111: Introduction to Psychology
A survey of the use of psychological analysis to understand behavior in a variety of domains. Standard introductory topics include: Methodology; Physiological Foundations; Development; Sensation-Perception; Learning; Motivation/Emotion; Social Psychology; Personality and Abnormal Behavior.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/SOCI 110: Basic Sociology
This course is intended as a general introduction to sociology, i.e., a scientific focus on society, groups, and social behavior. Its purpose is to develop in the student a greater capacity to interpret and evaluate the social world.
3 credits

Liberal Studies/SOCI 120: Individual, Culture, and Society
The purpose of this course is to present students with conceptual and practical means for recognizing the roles of social structure, culture, and the individual as contributing elements of diversity.
3 credits

*All students not enrolled in science or technology are required to take an approved science course.

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Core of Discovery Component of Two Year Programs

LENG 111 College Composition	3
LBST 111 World Discovery	3
LTHE 121 Sacred Scripture	3
LPHI 231 Invitation to Philosophy	3
LTHE 227 or LPHI 237 Theology or Philosophy Series III	3
LS Elective (see below)*	3
Total	18

*One three-hour Liberal Studies course to be chosen according to the following guidelines:

• If the program is housed in the College of Humanities, Business, and Education, an approved science or social science course.
  
• If the program is housed in the College of Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences, an approved humanities, social science, or fine arts course.
  

Students admitted to Gannon with an Associate Degree will be required to complete the following Core courses:

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