General Education Curriculum

Bellarmine University’s General Education (Gen Ed) curriculum provides all students with the foundation for their various majors and minors and offers a transformative educational experience that prepares them to be successful in life, career, and as citizens.

The General Education curriculum is delivered through a triad of courses and experiences:

a) Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses that teach students about the various aspects and ways of being in the world, enabling them to connect knowledge of and respect for the past with ideas for how to build on and carry forward this knowledge into the future.

b) Skills and Competencies Threads that develop life-long skills for success.

c) Life Thematic Threads that directly apply learned materials to students’ and community members’ lived experiences that will prepare them for career or additional education after graduation.

As part of the General Education requirements, all students will develop a portfolio that highlights the knowledge and skills gained in the curriculum.

Through the study of the fine arts, language and literature, history, mathematics, the natural and social sciences, and philosophy and theology, students acquire an appreciation for the cultural achievements of past generations and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to their own. Philosophy and theology play a special role in the university curriculum, since they raise the ultimate questions concerning the meaning and purpose of human existence. By exploring these questions from the perspective of both faith and reason, the basic compatibility of religious belief and the quest for truth become evident. These two fundamental disciplines also give the whole curriculum an integrative focus, providing a spiritual and intellectual context within which to view the various realms of human endeavor.

While completing the General Education curriculum, students will demonstrate the following Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs):

ELO 1. Building the foundational intellectual and practical skills students need in their studies, careers, and lives.  

· Develop effective written and oral communication, information fluency, quantitative reasoning, and collaborative competence  

· Cultivate critical reading and thinking skills including logic, analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving 

1. Written Communication 

2. Oral Communication 

3. Collaboration 

4. Information Fluency 

5. Critical Reading 

6. Critical Thinking 

7. Quantitative Reasoning 

ELO 2. Developing knowledge of enduring and evolving cultural, historic, scientific questions and processes, and achievements within core fields of study  

· Examine significant debates and questions  

· Acquire, analyze, and apply key theories, principles, and methods of inquiry and expression  

· Interpret historical themes and emerging trends  

2.1 Core Knowledge Areas:

ELO 3. Discovering the interconnectedness across peoples, cultures, and disciplines  

· Investigate important issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives  

· Engage questions of identity, ethics, multicultural awareness, and diversity 

3.1 Integrative Learning 

3.2 Diversity, Multiculturalism, Inclusivity 

ELO 4. Cultivating accountability for self, compassion toward others, and responsibility for our shared environment  

· Nurture mind, body, and spirit and explore their interconnectedness  

· Use ethical reasoning and informed decision-making to guide actions  

· Engage with diverse local, national, and global communities  

4.1 Wellness 

4.2 Compassion toward Others 

4.3 Responsibility for Our Shared Environment 

General Education Requirements
As addressed above, the General Education curriculum consists of a triad of experiences: Courses within the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Skills and Competency Threads, and Life Thematic Threads. Each student’s experience is tracked through a Portfolio, which will house a signature assignment from each required component of the Gen Ed. Every student’s Gen Ed experience culminates in the Merici Community Engaged Seminar, which ties together all the threads, integrates the knowledges students have acquired both through the Gen Ed and through their major, and offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to a particular need in the community.

Course Requirements
The General Education curriculum consists of 42 hours of course work selected from the options listed.

	Credits	Gen Ed Requirement	Course or Course Options
	2 cr	First-Year Experience I	KNGT 101 Knight Life I: Becoming BU
	3 cr	First-Year Experience II	KNGT 102 Knight Life II: Liberal Arts and Sciences in Society
	3 cr	English Composition	ENGL 101 Introduction to Academic Writing
	3 cr	Literature	One 3-credit hour course from the following list: ENGL 200 Introduction to Literature ENGL 205 Literary Form and Interpretation ENGL 206 Critical Writing in English ENGL 215 Introduction to Dramatic Literature ENGL 225 African American Literature FILM 270 Introduction to Film FILM 271 History of Film
	3 cr	History	HIST 120 Global Perspectives of the Recent Past
	3 cr	Fine & Performing Arts	One 3-credit hour course from the following list: ART 101 Drawing I ART 211 Two Dimensional Design ART 231 Digital Foundations ART 242 Beginning Ceramics ART 260 Beginning Photography ART 280 Painting I ART 325 Web Art ART 330 Video Art ART 342 Special Topics in Art (3-credit sections only) ARTA 100 Exploring the Arts & Arts Administration ARTH 201 Art History: Ancient to Medieval ARTH 202 Art History: Renaissance to Modern ARTH 320 Art History: 20th Century ARTH 321 Art History: 21st Century ARTH 342 Special Topics in Art History (3-credit sections only) ARTH 350 The History of Photography MUSC 100 Introduction to Music Theory MUSC 103 Music in American Popular Culture MUSC 200 Music Literature MUST 165 Foundations of Digital Music THEA 101 Experiencing Theatre THEA 110 Fundamentals of Acting THEA 130 Stagecraft THEA 291 Dance THEA 430 Community Based Theatre Alternatively, students may also fulfill the Fine and Performing Arts Requirement by completing a total of 3 credit hours of applied music lessons (courses with the MUSI subject code).
	3 cr	Mathematics	One 3-credit hour course from the following list: MATH 101 Foundations of Mathematics I MATH 107 Mathematics for Liberal Arts MATH 116 Precalculus MATH 117 Calculus I (4-credits) MATH 125 Business Calculus MATH 200 Statistics and Society MATH 205 Elementary Statistics
	4 cr	Natural Science	One 4-credit hour course from the following list (includes a laboratory component): BIOL 108 Human Anatomy & Physiology I BIOL 113 Biology at the Zoo BIOL 114 Human Biology: Health & Disease BIOL 115 Introduction to Life Science BMB 110 Biochemistry and Cooking Science CHEM 103 General Chemistry I CHEM 109 Liberal Arts Chemistry ENVS 111 Environmental Science ENVS 130 Understanding Planet Earth ENVS 151 Understanding Environmental Systems ENVS 250 Introduction to Earth Science PHYS 105 Introduction to Astronomy PHYS 106 Exploration of the Universe PHYS 108 Physics of Music and Art PHYS 201 College Physics I PHYS 205 University Physics I
	3 cr	Social Science	One 3-credit hour course from the following list: ANTH 111 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ECON 110 Principles of Macroeconomics GEOG 175 Introduction to Human Geography PS 101 American Government PSYC 103 Introductory Psychology SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
	3 cr	Philosophy	PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
	3 cr	Theology	THEO 200 Ultimate Questions
	3 cr	Philosophy or Theology Elective	In addition to PHIL 101 and THEO 200, students must also complete one 3-credit course of their choice in either Philosophy or Theology.
	3 cr	Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity	One 3-credit hour course from the following list: ANTH 200 Stories Across Cultures ANTH 210 History of Anthropological Thought ANTH 215 Anthropology of the Supernatural & Sacred ANTH 325 Environmental Anthropology COMM 313 Intercultural Communication EDUC 200 Foundations of Education ENGL 324 Multicultural American Literature ENGL 436 Women’s Literature ENVS 305 Environmental Justice HIST 201 History of the United States to 1877 HIST 202 History of US 1877 to Present HIST 326 History of the Long Civil Rights Movement HIST 331 The History of Public Health and the Environment HIST 406 Gender and Sexuality in U.S. Culture HIST 408 History of U.S. Immigration MUSC 312 History of Jazz NURS 335 Population Health I PS 316 Later American Political Thought- Civil War to the Present RTH 350 Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education II SOAN 305 Race and Ethnicity SOAN 310 Medicine, Mind and Body SOAN 323 Gender and Sexuality SOC 235 Social Inequality THEO 337 Religion and Politics WGST 200 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
3 cr		Senior Seminar	KNGT 401 Merici Community Engaged Seminar

Skills and Competencies Threads Requirements
The Skills and Competencies listed below are interwoven (“threaded”) into the required Gen Ed courses through assignments and activities and do not add any hours or courses to the Gen Ed. These Skills and Competencies include:

· Written Communication

· Oral Communication

· Collaborative Competence

· Critical Thinking

· Information Fluency

· Quantitative Reasoning

As these skills are foundational to students’ majors and are highly valued by employers, students will have the opportunity to build on and further develop these skills through courses in their major.

Life Themes Thread Requirements
The Life Themes Threads are designed to help advance Bellarmine’s Mission to educate students in mind, body, and spirit, preparing them for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition. The four threads are interwoven into some Gen Ed courses; they also include some co-curricular or extra-curricular requirements.

Community Engagement Thread (4 experiences)
Knights in Action		Fulfilled in KNGT 101
Orientation to Community Engagement		Fulfilled in KNGT 102
Knights with Purpose		There are a variety of options students can use to meet the requirement including: · Internships · BU 250 · Study Abroad (CE focus) · Alternative Spring Break · Approved Domestic Trips with campus organizations · Community Engagement Course (does not include Merici Seminar) · Serve as a mentor in a leadership program An approved list of opportunities is provided in the Gen Ed handbook. Students may petition the Gen Ed Curriculum Committee for approval of other activities.
Merici Community Engaged Seminar		Fulfilled in KNGT 401

Environmental Responsibility Thread (3 Experiences)
Knights in Action		Fulfilled in KNGT 101
Curricular or Co-curricular experience Component		There are a variety of ways to fulfill this requirement. These include: · Co-curricular experiences that might qualify, if implemented intentionally, meaningfully, and reflectively · Sustainability-related tours, such as: o Environmental Justice Tour of Louisville or the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center o Bellarmine Tree Pilgrimage o TARC bus tour experience through Passionist Earth & Spirit Center o Campus Ministry camping retreat about experiencing spirituality in nature in Red River Gorge o Alternative Spring Break on an environmental theme · Participation in the Terra Learning Community · Participation in campus invasive species removal event · Participation in Bellarmine Farm Workday · Documented participation in an environmentally themed event or activity offered on campus (e.g., documentary screening, lecture, tree planting, pollinator garden planting, beekeeping) · Documented participation in an environmentally themed event or activity offered off campus (e.g., park cleanup day, tree planting, public lecture, hiking event etc.) · Involvement in an environmentally themed Registered Student Organization (RSO) or campus group as an officer or designated student representative (e.g., Beekeeping Club, Green Knights, Food Recovery Network, Bellarmine Farm Team, SGA Environmental Representative, Bellarmine Sustainability Committee, Tree Campus USA Student Representative, Bee Campus USA Student Representative) · Online or in-person workshops or conferences related to sustainability (presenting or attending) (e.g., Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education or Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences conferences) Courses that currently address environmental responsibility: ANTH 111 Cultural Anthropology ANTH 325 Environmental Anthropology SOAN 320 Food, Culture, and Justice ENVS 111 Environmental Science ENVS 151 Understanding Environmental Systems ENVS 130 Planet Earth ENVS 250 Introduction to Earth Science ENVS 305 Environmental Justice ENVS 310 Geographic Information Systems ENVS 330 Sustainable Development ENVS 410 Environmental Law and Policy GEOG 175 Human Geography HIST 331 Public Health History and the Environment HLTH 230: Social Determinants of Health THEO 336 Religion and Ecology KNGT 102 sections that address Environmental responsibility BU 250 or BU 444 with a community partner focused on health disparities, community gardens, natural resource conservation, urban park systems, urban or rural agriculture, economic growth in underserved areas, social equity, environmental protection, or other approved topic Research course/experience that has a connection to sustainability, environmental protection, etc. Study abroad coursework on an environmental theme
Merici Community-Engaged Seminar Component		Evaluate the environmental impact of the solution developed in the course

Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity Thread (4 experiences)
Introduction to Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity		Fulfilled in KNGT 101
Application of Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity		Fulfilled in KNGT 102
Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity Course		A variety of course options will be available, and students can complete the course as part of their major
Merici Community-Engaged Seminar Component		Application of Intrinsic Dignity and Inclusivity

Wellness Thread (6 experiences)
To complete the Wellness Thread, students will · Complete 6 of the 8 dimensions of wellness across their time at Bellarmine. · Complete an activity, module, or class that addresses each dimension, · Write a reflection for each dimension they select, addressing what they learned about that dimension and how they plan to carry forward what they learned and make it a part of their life. These reflections will be uploaded to the student’s portfolio. All first-year students will complete two dimensions of wellness in KNGT 101 and two dimensions of wellness in KNGT 102. The remaining two dimensions of wellness should be completed before the Merici Seminar. A list of activities addressing each dimension of wellness will be provided each semester.
Physical Wellness		Recognizing the need for appropriate physical activity, sleep, and nutrition. May include a focus on issues such as knowing how to make informed decisions about issues such as eating, sleeping, exercise, and use of alcohol and tobacco.     Ways to address physical wellness include participation in an approved physical wellness activity hosted on campus; being a member of a sports team (Division I or club or intramural); take a fitness class for one semester; train for and compete in a race or event; take EXSC 140 or other approved course.
Emotional Wellness		Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships. May include focus on issues such as having an awareness and understanding of one’s feelings as well as managing and expressing emotions appropriately.     Ways to address emotional wellness include completing an activity focused on emotional wellness (such as an educational session or online learning module; participating in events/activities sponsored by the Wellness Center or Counseling Center; participating in counseling for personal wellness (individual or group).
Financial Wellness		Satisfaction with current and future financial situations include how to manage personal finances (managing a checking or savings account), understanding a financial aid package and what future obligations this will impose, being aware of the process and cost of borrowing money, etc.    Ways to address this include completing a module on financial literacy and financial well-being; participating in an approved financial wellness activity hosted on campus; taking an approved course that meets the requirement such as ACCT 101, and attending a financial seminar.
Social Wellness		Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system. May include focus on issues such as having the ability to function confidently and connect with other people.    Ways to address social wellness include joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) and participate fully and meaningfully for a semester, participating in an approved social wellness activity hosted on campus; joining an event through Service and Leadership.
Spiritual Wellness		Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life. May include a focus on issues such as: exploring religious faith and/or spiritual perspective, values, and moral principles; understanding how religiousness/spirituality, values, and morals contribute to creating a life with purpose, compassion toward self and others, and enhancement of the common good.     Ways to address this include participating in an approved spiritual wellness activity hosted on campus; taking THEO 200 or certain designated PHIL 101 courses; participating in a group or program sponsored by Campus Ministry or RSO; regularly attending religious services; participating in a spiritual program
Intellectual Wellness		Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills. May include focus on issues such as: understanding one’s intellectual skills and strengths as well as weaknesses and crafting a plan for developing skills and strengths and overcoming or managing weaknesses; expanding one’s knowledge in a substantive and meaningful way.   Ways to address this includes participating in an approved intellectual wellness activity hosted on campus; completing a module in KNGT 101 about strengths/weaknesses/goals; applying for and participate in BU Leadership Institute; attend a certain number of BU Dialogues and complete a reflection; become a Peer Advisor for 1st-year students
Environmental Wellness		Good health by occupying and cultivating pleasant environments that support your well-being and the planet’s. May include focusing on issues such as: understanding how individual actions impact the environment and the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment in terms of health and well-being. Ways to address this includes participating in an approved environmental wellness activity hosted on campus; May be completed thought the Environmental Responsibility Thread but need to add reflection to portfolio.
Vocational Wellness		Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work. May include focusing on issues such as reflecting on calling and purpose and exploring possible careers.   Ways to address this include participating in an approved vocational wellness activity hosted on campus; taking BU 250; completing an internship, completing a 299 courses (BU 299 or department specific), participating in a Campus Ministry retreat on purpose and calling, or programming offered by Career Development Center; collaborating with an alumni mentor, etc.

Undergraduate Academic Requirements

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