Core Curriculum / Core Requirements

A. General Degree Requirements

To graduate from Augustana, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete 124 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (The quality points assigned each grade are found under Grading System.)
2. The last 30 credit hours must be taken at Augustana.
3. No more than 3 workshop credit hours may count toward the 124 credit hour requirement.
4. Complete the requirements for one major.
5. Complete the core curriculum requirements (Sophia). Note: No more than 10 credit hours from any one prefix (e.g. BIOL, ENGL, MUSI, etc.) may count toward meeting the core curriculum.
6. Students will complete two courses with an integrated writing component, designated by a (W). In addition, students will complete one Communication (C) course as well as one Ethics (E) course.

NOTE: A student may not have more than 43 credit hours from one prefix (BIOL, BSAD, PSYC, etc.) count toward the 124 credit hour graduation requirement. The following programs are exceptions and may count the number of credit hours listed below toward the 124 credit hour graduation requirement:

Art - 60

Chemistry, ACS - 44

Liberal Arts Music - 45

Music Education - 57

Nursing – 52

B. Core Curriculum

The aim of Augustana is to provide an education of enduring worth by blending the broad learning experiences of the liberal arts with the student’s individual professional goals, and to integrate Christian faith and learning.

Graduation requires satisfactory completion of the Core Curriculum. The number of credit hours may vary based on advanced placement exams and department test-outs.

No more than 10 credit hours from any one prefix (e.g. BIOL, ENGL, etc.) may count toward meeting the general education requirement.

In addition to the requirements listed below, students will be expected to complete two courses with an integrated writing component, designated by (W), one course with an integrated Communication (C), and one course with an integrated Ethics (E). These are in addition to the two First Year Seminar (FYS) courses that are required.

Sophia

What direction shall you take in order to find your vocation? Augustana University's Sophia plan is designed to help you navigate a rapidly changing world as you develop into a responsible, thoughtful citizen. Sophia (Σοφία) is the Greek word for wisdom. It honors the primacy of the word in the Lutheran tradition, logos, and the wisdom of God, Hagia Sophia, sacred wisdom. Inspired by the Lutheran scholarly tradition, your journey at Augustana University begins with an integrative first-year experience. It continues as you pursue a broad liberal arts education in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, and master at least one major area of study. Along the way, you will be challenged to examine thoroughly life’s foundational questions through conversation and academic inquiry as you explore your faith, engage in service, and achieve an education of enduring worth. Let the journey begin!

Take ALL of the following requirements

First Year Experience (5 credit hours)

First Semester: Critical Inquiry Seminar (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to help our students develop the critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills necessary to engage difficult questions and to help them recognize that grappling with difficult questions is at the heart of a liberal arts education. All Critical Inquiry courses must have a central organizing theme, chosen by the instructor and developed through a series of questions upon which intelligent people disagree. Readings and assignments will explore the questions in a manner that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. The topic should also be connected to the instructor’s academic training and/or scholarly expertise.

Second Semester: Vocation Seminar (1 credit)

Students will reflect on the concept of vocation and Augustana’s motto “Enter to learn, leave to serve” by critically reflecting on their personal values, motivations, their attitudes towards diversity, vocational aspirations, and educational goals. Through the introduction of experiential opportunities, students will synthesize their learning into a tailored plan and portfolio that both guides and showcases their engagement during the remainder of their studies at Augustana and prepares them for a life after graduation.

Christian Tradition (3 credit hours)

Students are expected to know and to understand central concepts, problems, and concerns within the history of biblical and Christian thought.

Criteria for courses in Christian Tradition are:

• Identify main events, movements, and schools of the biblical and theological traditions.
• Identify various hermeneutical methods used in the study of biblical, theological, and ethical texts or traditions.
• Define ideas and concepts central to particular biblical, theological, and ethical texts or traditions.
• Explain why particular biblical, theological, ethical, or hermeneutical traditions were developed during given historical eras.

Languages (6 credit hours of the same language)

Students demonstrate a minimum novice-high level proficiency (ACTFL scale) of a second language and its representative cultures.

Criteria for courses in Languages are:

• Produce uncomplicated communicative tasks appropriate to predictable social and cultural contexts.
• Demonstrate comprehension of uncomplicated and predictable language samples.
• Compare and contrast the target culture(s) with their own culture(s).

More information about language placement can be found here.

Mathematical and Quantitative Analysis (3 credit hours)

A liberally educated person will have knowledge of important mathematical structure (axiomatic systems) and the quantitative literacy skills that enable informed participation in various aspects of our society, including (but not limited to) social choice and personal finance. They will have the capacity to analyze a problem and plan a path to its solution. They will appreciate the beauty of mathematics and its power and ubiquity in daily life.

Criteria for courses in Mathematical and Quantitative Analysis are:

• Apply mathematical algorithms correctly and accurately
• Discern whether a problem is suitable to a known algorithm, or develop an algorithm, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution it produces.
• Prove, or gather evidence to disprove, conjectures.
• Communicate mathematical ideas effectively to: explain underlying assumptions, define the problem, and justify their solution method using appropriate logical arguments, theorems, or axioms.

Science of the Natural World (4 credit hours)

Courses in Science of the Natural World are designed to provide students with an integrative understanding of the natural world. These courses will include hands-on learning experiences (equivalent to a 1-credit hour laboratory) that allow students to discover the processes of the natural world.

Successful students in the Science of the Natural World category will be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific content and principles of the natural world.
• Make measurements and analyze data to solve problems or test hypotheses.

Social Science (6 credit hours)

Courses provide students with fundamental knowledge of forces that shape human behavior and/or the large scale social systems in which people live.

Successful students in Social Science will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of human behavior with respect to the broader social context (e.g., complex human organizations/social institutions).
• Demonstrate an understanding of tools of social scientific inquiry.

Take SIX of the following EIGHT requirements

Art: Theatre, Music, Visual Arts (3 credit hours)

In keeping with the human creative endeavor, this area recognizes that literature, music, theater, and the visual arts are by their nature hands-on, participatory, and explorative. Students shall complete three credits in fine arts courses that include both theory and practice. 

Criteria for courses in Theater, Music Visual Arts are:

Creating

• Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Performing/presenting/producing

• Analyze, interpret and select artistic work for presentation.

Responding

• Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Connecting

• Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
• Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context.

Literature (3 credit hours)

This area introduces students to the primary forms of written expression, in English and modern foreign languages, including novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. Through studying literature, students will better understand the variety of the human experience.

Successful students in Literature will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of literary genres and conventions.
• Develop interpretations of literature through methodical analysis.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how literary texts interact with their extra-literary context.

Perspectives of the World (3 credit hours)

The presence of diverse societies around the world makes understanding non-Western perspectives an essential component of liberal studies. As educated citizens, students must meet the challenge, at home and abroad, of functioning across linguistic, cultural, and belief boundaries. This area challenges students to examine primarily cultures in Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, or of native North America, but recognizes that Europe offers valid cross-cultural experiences. The goal is to promote appreciation for varied societies, cultures, traditions, and perspectives, as well as to develop cross-cultural interaction skills. The area requirement may be fulfilled through an approved study abroad experience.

Criteria for courses in Perspectives of the World are:

• Define key terms and identify important facts, assumptions, events, and issues central to non-Western societies.
• Articulate the basic assumptions underpinning different non-Western traditions and cultures.
• Explain distinctions among non-Western value systems.
• Connect the significance of evolving issues, events, and trends in the societies examined.

Religious Traditions and Theological Conversations (3 credit hours)

Religions and their embodied theological traditions do not arise in historical and cultural vacuums. Rather, they emerge from and address specific cultural and historical contexts and they are interpreted and appropriated to address particular cultural and historical situations. Courses in this area will address and critically analyze the ideas and practices of religious traditions, both within a particular tradition and between different traditions. Prerequisite: one course from Christian Tradition.

Successful students in Religious Traditions and Theological Conversations will be able to:

• Understand and interpret religious texts and traditions within a theological, philosophical, historical and/or cultural context.
• Demonstrate an awareness of hermeneutical, theological, and philosophical methods.

Scientific Intersections and Impacts (3 credit hours)

Courses in this area are designed to provide students with an integrative understanding of the natural world and to prepare them for citizenship in a world where, increasingly, science is needed to address complex global issues. These courses will include a firm grounding within physical, life or health sciences, and will address the applications of these sciences to global issues. Prerequisite: one course from the Science in the Natural World area. Recommended for junior and senior students.

Successful students in the Scientific Intersections and Impacts category will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific content and principles of the natural world.
• Use appropriate scientific information to understand societal issues.
• Articulate scientific information or arguments to a general audience.

The U.S. Experience (3 credit hours)

Courses for inclusion in the U.S. Experience will introduce students to important historical, political and cultural issues in the United States. Each course in this area will integrate an understanding of the U.S. experience, and incorporate an appreciation for the diversity of American traditions.

Successful students in The U.S. Experience, students will be able to:

• Interpret key ideas and historical events that have defined American life.
• Analyze and critique sources relevant to the American experience.

Well-Being (3 credit hours)

Well-Being is a holistic, multidimensional phenomenon that involves personal and social responsibilities and a commitment to positive self-care practices. Recognizing that well-being is an essential element of a life well-lived, students will encounter both theory and experiential components. Courses will examine the holistic (i.e., social, emotional, physical, and spiritual) nature of well-being and address more specifically one or more dimensions of well-being such as diet/nutrition, physical activity and fitness, relationships, stress mastery, self-care and prevention, or emotions. The requirement may be fulfilled with a 2-credit theory course accompanied by a 1-credit lab activity that equals a 3-credit course which includes both theory (T) and practical experience (P).

Criteria for courses in Well Being are:

Any 2-credit Well-Being (T) course will:

• Articulate an understanding of personal and social implications of one or more dimensions of well-being.
• Discuss the responsibilities of the individual and society for promoting well-being.
• Develop an action plan for practicing well-being through self-care individually and/or within a group.

Any 1-credit Well-Being (P) course will:

• Implement an action plan for practicing one or more dimensions of well-being as an individual and/or within a group.
• Articulate the personal value of actions that support well-being.

Any 3-credit course that is designated as Well-Being (T&P) will address all five of the listed objectives.

Western Tradition (3 credit hours)

A course that discusses the development of Western historical, cultural, political, and philosophical traditions from either the ancient and medieval or the modern eras. Each course in this area will integrate a chronological understanding of Western history.

Criteria for courses in Western Tradition are:

• Articulate an understanding of a key idea or ideas that have defined Western life.
• Discuss the central cultural, political, social, and religious changes in the West.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze and critique historical sources.

C. Requirements for the Major

The requirements for each major are listed in the academic program section of this catalog.

A student must earn a C- or higher in the minimum number of credit hours required for the major. Courses which are listed as supportive courses need only to be passed. Some departments have requirements which are more restrictive than this requirement. In those departments, the departmental requirements must be met.

Transfer students must take a minimum of 50% of the courses required for their major at Augustana. Some departments require a higher percentage.

D. Minor Requirements

A minor is not required for graduation. A grade of C- or higher is required in all courses in the minor. See the listings under academic programs for the courses required for the minor. Transfer students must take a minimum of 50% of the courses required for their minor at Augustana.

E. Electives

The courses remaining after core curriculum and major requirements have been fulfilled are to be chosen by students in consultation with their advisor from any of the courses in the catalog for which they qualify.  Students are encouraged to use electives to explore areas of study other than their majors.