Foundations

The Foundations portion of the Seaver Core constitutes the essential classes that all Seaver students complete. The Foundations sequence creates a shared academic experience. It also provides students a solid academic formation in order to prepare them as they move through their education and beyond. Students completing the six Foundations courses should be able to communicate effectively and ethically both orally and in writing. They should be able to think clearly and deeply about important issues— like truth, goodness, justice, and beauty. Finally, students should be able to understand key elements of Christian scripture, core beliefs and practices, and then evaluate the role of these elements in history, in the present and in their own lives.

Requirements

COM 180: Speech and Rhetoric

An introduction to the principles of public speaking and rhetorical analysis of public discourse. Practice in the preparation and delivery of speeches with an introduction to rhetorical theory and criticism. Application of the theory of public discourse to representative speaking situations.

ENG 101: English Composition

An intensive writing workshop. The emphasis is on reading and writing critically and developing an effective writing process, including strategies for generating and researching ideas, drafting, revision, and editing. Students read extensively about current issues and produce portfolios demonstrating their ability to write for a variety of purposes, focusing particularly on academic writing. Students must complete ENG 101 by the end of their first year of study.

REL 100: The Way of Jesus

Explores the story of Christianity, how it is rooted in the life of Jesus of Nazareth and the faith of the early church, how it addresses perennial human concerns, and how it has been enacted in a variety of historical and cultural contexts.

REL 200: The Story of Christian Scripture

Examines the Jewish and Christian scriptures in context, focusing on the central story they tell, how they came together, and how they have been interpreted to address perennial human concerns.

REL 300: Christianity and Culture

This course illuminates and evaluates how Christian scripture, theology, history, and practices interact with perennial human concerns, with a course-specific focus. Students may also take PHIL 301, PHIL 527/REL 527, or SUST 300 to fulfill the requirement for REL 300

FOR 101: Foundations of Reasoning

This course is designed to strengthen students’ reasoning skills and advance their capacity to think clearly and deeply about important issues— like truth, goodness, justice, and beauty. Together, students and professors uncover and sharpen vital intellectual tools and then apply those tools to big ideas and to specific real-world situations. An emphasis on developing arguments and engaging with others in civil fashion will be a central component to this course. In the end, students will demonstrate an ability to recognize, understand, and construct sound arguments. This course or an equivalent must be taken within the first year of study at the College.

Alternate Courses fulfilling FOR requirement

GSEN 199: American Language and Culture (3) - for international students only
HUM 100: Thinking Classically (4)
GSHU 121: Great Books Colloquium I
SAAJ 100: Social Action and Justice Colloquium I