Core Curriculum

Conceptual Framework for Core Curriculum

John Wesley advocated using four sources for reflection that would permit relevant, theologically-informed engagement with a rapidly changing world (as named the Wesleyan “quadrilateral” by Albert C. Outler in 1964). Scripture is Wesley’s main source, along with reason, tradition, and experience. Wesley also emphasized the major themes of the redemption narrative (i.e., (1) sinful human nature infused by God’s prevenient grace, (2) justification by faith in Jesus Christ, and (3) sanctification into the fullness of love through the power of the Holy Spirit). 

The four elements of Wesley’s quadrilateral form the framework for our 31 general education credits and 9 credits above this core that are required of all undergraduate students. Our curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective that incorporates the four areas identified by Wesley:

1. Scripture-Students will need to be well-grounded in the content of the Bible such that they are able to think theologically about the issues they confront.
2. Tradition-Students will need exposure to the great thinking of the past.
3. Experience-Students will need to learn experientially, drawing from methods and insights in their discipline.
4. Reason-Students must be able to reason, developing and refining abilities in critical thinking, reasoning, and creative problem-solving, using today’s technological tools.

This curriculum reflects the belief that our graduates must be able to create a reasoned defense of the Christian faith, demonstrate Christian character traits, and be able to articulate a Christian worldview in their chosen field.

Albert C. Outler, ed., John Wesley (Cambridge: Oxford University Press, 1980).

Required Courses (9-12 Hours)

¹All students must enroll in Freshman Composition (ENGL 1003 followed by ENGL 1013) and Foundations for Success (SEMR 2323 or HNRS 2323) until they earn the minimum required grade.  Transfer students with regular admittance who have earned 30 or more transferable credit hours are exempt from SEMR 2323.  Please note that a required grade of (C for transfer; C- for non-transfer) or higher is required in ENGL 1003 and ENGL 1013.  Withdrawal is not permitted from either of these courses until after the last day to drop without record, but the withdrawal must be completed before the final withdrawal date.  Students must first consult both their advisor and the instructor before withdrawing from a course.

²No credit toward the computer literacy requirement will be awarded for computer fundamental classes that are more than five years old at the time of transfer or re-admittance. 

Specified programs require specific core curriculum courses within the major.  Students should refer to their program requirements.

Humanities/Fine Arts

¹All traditional students must enroll in Freshman Composition (ENGL 1003  followed by ENGL 1013  ) until they earn the minimum required grade.  Please note that a required grade of C- or higher is required in ENGL 1003 and ENGL 1013.  Withdrawal is not permitted from any of these courses until after the last day to drop without record, but the withdrawal must be completed before the final withdrawal date.  Students must first consult both their advisor and the instructor before withdrawing from a course.

Math and Natural Sciences (7-8 Hours)

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Hours)

Total Hours (40-44)