The Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum at Northern Vermont University prepares all students to respond responsibly, productively, and creatively to a complex and changing world that is characterized by rapidly evolving careers and communities. Statistics show that college graduates today are likely to face at least four significant career changes before retirement, regardless of major. Northern Vermont University’s Core Curriculum responds to this challenge in two ways. First, the Core provides focused practice in the foundational skills required for all career paths: critical thinking, writing, reading, communication, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning. Second, it provides a framework of content, thought, and inquiry designed to help every student succeed personally and professionally in today’s global society.
Core Mission Statement:
The Core Curriculum will enable students to make a positive impact in the world by developing the intellectual, social, and career skills necessary for life-long learning and success.
Guiding Question for Students:
“How can I make a positive impact in the world?”
Goals and Learning Outcomes consist of four overarching goals and specific learning outcomes.
1. ACADEMIC SKILLS
Students will be able to
- Demonstrate information literacy and research skills.
- Demonstrate quantitative reasoning.
- Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual forms to diverse audiences.
2. INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Students will be able to
- Demonstrate and apply critical thinking in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrate and apply creative thinking in a variety of situations.
- Adapt learning to new situations across disciplines and to the real world.
3. INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Students will be able to
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning by evaluating personal values, alternative viewpoints, and their potential consequences for individuals and communities.
- Understand and evaluate the civic dimensions of individual and public issues.
- Demonstrate teamwork skills.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills.
4. INTERCULTURAL AND GLOBAL AWARENESS
Students will be able to
- Understand and examine social and cultural diversity.
- Understand and apply concepts of sustainability in relation to ecological, human, and economic well-being.
THE CURRICULUM:
Find more specific Core Curriculum offerings in the General Education Core Curriculum section of this catalog.
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