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:
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."
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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."
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. See list below.
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. See list below.
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.
Senior Year - 3 credits
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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
This course is a study of our environment and some of the interactions between
humans and their surroundings. The course analyzes through an interdisciplinary
approach how humans and their social institutions interact with physical and
biological systems of the environment. The course surveys the most urgent
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: Senior 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
LENG 249: Women's Literature
This course helps students develop an appreciation, understanding, and
evaluation of literature written by women as it reflects women's experiences in
diverse cultural and historical contexts. The course focuses on the essential
elements of prose, drama, and poetry.
Prerequisites: LENG 111, LENG 112
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 252: Women in Photography
This course examines photography by women in a variety of photographic genres and critical
perspectives written by women about photography. Concentration will be on the historical,
cultural, stylistic, and aesthetic aspects of selected works.
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.
3 credits
Liberal Studies/LFIN 310: Music in Medicine
This course explores the impact of music in the area of medicine and the ways that music can
be and is used as a benefit to the patient’s medical treatment. Reasons for responses to various
types of musical elements and stimuli used in treatment(s) will also be discussed and
researched.
3 credits
Liberal Studies/LPHI 231: Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to the study of philosophy. Beginning with the dawn of philosophical
awareness among the ancient Greek philosophers, the course surveys both traditional and
modern approaches to the philosophical understanding of the human condition
3 credits
Liberal Studies/LPHI 233: Philosophy of God
An introduction to the philosophical study of religion, based largely on the tradition of
Christian philosophy. Some of the topics include: the concept of God; the evidence for God's
existence; the meaningfulness of religious language; analysis of God's attributes, such as
omnipotence and omniscience; the possibility of miracles; life after death; the problem of
reconciling divine foreknowledge and human freedom; and the problem of reconciling the
existence of a loving God with the world's evils.
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
The subject matter of ethics is “the good life and how to live it.” Students will examine a
variety of influential approaches to ethics, and will gain skill in applying ethical theory both
to practical ethical issues in daily life, and to some of the urgent ethical issues in
contemporary society.
Prerequisite: LPHI 231
3 credits
Liberal Studies/LPHI 239: Philosophy of Science
A historical and philosophical survey of the various understandings of science and scientific
method from ancient times to the present. Students will examine the role philosophy has
played in formulating and critiquing models of scientific investigation, and will pay attention
to the impact science has had in each historical period on religion, society, and views of
human nature.
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/MGMT 360: Ethical and Social Responsibility
This course explores the nature of various interrelationships within the
environment of the firm, particularly the relationship with societies and
governments, including the effects of globalization of the firm. The
responsibilities the firm has when pursuing its objectives and critically
assessing the ethical issues associated with managerial decision making are the
major focus of the course.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status
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.
Core of Discovery Component of Two Year Programs
| LENG 111 College Composition | 3 |
| LHST 111 History of the West and the World | 3 |
| LTHE 121 Introduction to Sacred Scripture | 3 |
| LPHI 131 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| LTHE/LPHI Theology or Philosophy III Series | 3 |
| LS Elective (see below)* | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
Core of Discovery Component of Next Step Program
Students admitted to Gannon
with an Associate Degree will be required to complete the following Core
courses:
| LTHE 121 Sacred Scriptures | 3 |
| LPHI 131 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| LENG Literature Series | 3 |
| LFIN Fine Art Series | 3 |
| LTHE /LPHI Theology/Philosophy III Series | 3 |
| LBST 383 Senior Seminar or approved capstone | 3 |