Academics info sheet

CORE PROGRAM

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The Dordt Difference The Core Program is at the heart of a Dordt College education. The core lays the foundation for the common areas of life, gives a context for specialized studies, and encourages a sense of civic and communal responsibility.

At many institutions, the core is made up of courses that introduce you to a variety of disciplines.

At Dordt, Core Program courses focus on interdisciplinary themes grounded in a comprehensive biblical world- and life- view. They help you draw intellectual connections between disciplines and other parts of your life, reflecting the wholeness of creation.

THE FOUR CORE THEMES To help prepare for living as disciples in God’s world, Dordt’s curriculum is based on four themes: • Acknowledging that the whole world belongs to God (religious orientation) • Understanding that the world is interconnected and subject to God’s laws for it (creational structure) • Learning how things came to be, what they are, and how everything we do affects our world for good or ill (creational development) • Translating what we learn into ideas and actions that help us distinguish clearly, think critically, judge wisely, and act faithfully as disciples (contemporary response)

CORE 100 RESPONSES “Core 100 is an incredibly valuable class for those trying to find their place in God’s kingdom. I’m beyond grateful about choosing to go to Dordt.”

“I loved my Core 100 experience, and I plan to continue the relationships I made with the people in this class. It was easy to be open about our faith and grow as a class together.”

CORE 399 “Core 399 readings reshaped my understanding of how Christians participate in culture.”

“The conversations and small group discussions were very engaging and on throught-provoking topics.”

“Core 399 was definitely a capstone course. It gave us the chance to apply everything we had learned in the Core Program.”

MAKING CONNECTIONS Today’s leaders need to be able to distinguish clearly, think critically, and judge wisely. At Dordt College, we help students learn to serve with insight and competence in their professions. We encourage students to take what they learn in class and use it in practical learning situations. Internships, practicums, and research and design projects deepen your understanding of your field.

For many students, spending a semester in an off-campus study program is one way to immerse themselves in hands-on learning. Students travel to major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., or to countries like Nicaragua, Egypt, and New Zealand. Our aim is to weave together experiences and classroom learning, curricular and co-curricular activities, core courses and major courses into a seamless whole. Such an education, rooted in a commitment to Christ, can lead to a rich life of Christian discipleship.

We know that many first-year students begin college still deciding what they want to do with their lives. We think that once you’re here, the rich diversity of classes, the opportunity to study with caring Christian mentors, and the many hands-on learning opportunities will help you choose a direction and a major that you’re excited about.

A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION The Dordt College curriculum will give you a comprehensive education. The Core Program provides common learning experiences for all students and helps you develop a broad and firmly rooted Christian perspective on life.

Courses in your major will build on that foundation and give you the specific knowledge you’ll need to enter your chosen profession. The Core Program will help you come to know: • Who you are and what you believe • How interconnected the world is • How we can live and work in the world as Christ’s disciples In core and major courses, you will develop the analytical, communication, artistic, physical, and discernment skills you will need in your professional and personal life.

Dordt’s Core program is bookended by two courses. New students take Core 100, titled Kingdom, Identity, and Calling. Engaging small classes led by faculty mentors help you think about who you are, whose you are, and what lies ahead.

Seniors take a capstone course, Core 399, titled Calling, Task, and Culture, which focuses on living out a biblical perspective in areas such as technology, time management, sexuality, politics, and poverty, preparing you for the choices you’ll need to make as you live holistic lives of discipleship.

THE CORE CURRICULUM The Core Program consists of foundational, contextual, interdisciplinary, and integrative courses.

Most students complete foundational courses by the end of their sophomore year, moving on to contextual and interdisciplinary coursework during the junior and senior years. Many requirements can be filled by choosing from among several course options, allowing you to meet your individual needs and interests. For a list of core course requirements and options, go to dordt.edu/academics/catalog/academic_program.pdf.

July 2015