Academics

Cornerstone Studies

1. The Western Tradition (6 credit hours)

These courses examine the Western tradition from either a historical, literary, or philosophical perspective. Each student takes a course in area 1A, The Classical, Judaeo-Christian Tradition, and one course in area 1B, The Modern Tradition.

2. The Scientific Perspective (7-8 credit hours)

Each student fulfills a science course which includes classroom study and a weekly 3 hour laboratory component. Courses which fulfill this portion of the perspective are identified as 2A courses. Area 2B may be fulfilled either by completing a second science which would not require a lab or take a course in mathematics or computer science that is designated a 2B.

3. The Social Science Perspective (6 credit hours)

The student selects two social science courses from two different social science disciplines. All courses which meet this requirement are designated as area 3.

4. The Humanistic Perspective (9 credit hours)

The student selects at least one catalog religion or philosophy course which has no prerequisites and fulfills no other Cornerstone requirement. These courses are designated 4A in the catalog and course registration book.

In addition the student selects at least one literature (English or foreign language) or history course which has no prerequisites and fulfills no other Cornerstone requirement. These courses are designated 4B in the catalog and course registration book. Finally the student selects a third course from either the 4A or the 4B group.

5. The Fine Arts Perspective (3 credit hours)

The student selects at least one catalog course in the appreciation of music, theatre arts, or visual arts. Each designated course is shown with a 5 in the catalog and course registration book

6. The Minority Perspective (3 credit hours)

Minority perspective courses, designated area 6 in the catalog and course registration book, are drawn from a number of different departments across the college. Each course attempts to help students to appreciate the contributions to American society made by those who have frequently been denied access to power due to considerations of race, religion, ethnic background or gender.

7. Global Awareness May Term (3 credit hours)

The student selects from an array of on-campus or foreign travel courses, designed to expand knowledge of so-called foreign culture(s). These courses are published annually in the May Term course book and identified there as area 7 courses.

8. Senior Colloquium (3 credit hours)

During the senior year the student selects one course designated as a senior colloquium in the course registration book. SRC 399 courses provide a seminar environment in which students read, discuss and attempt to integrate a number of cornerstone perspectives and ideas from major courses of study with the study of a selected topic representing some of the enduring challenges of life in today's society. Senior colloquium is a capstone course, providing an opportunity for students to reflect on their own values and those espoused by their fellow students and professor.

One Additional Consideration for Cornerstone Studies Planning:

To fulfill the requirement that each Simpson graduate has completed at least one literature course and one history course within the Cornerstone Studies curriculum, the student should review areas 1A, 1B, 4B, and 6 above and make sure that at least one literature course and one history course can be identified in the student's planned course of study.

Last Updated: 1/22/09