Elon Core Curriculum

For a full explanation of the Elon Core Curriculum, please see our Core Curriculum website. 

The Elon Core Curriculum is the set of courses and experiences that are shared by every undergraduate. The Core complements the major, providing the liberal arts and sciences so important to Elon’s mission and so vital for globally engaged citizenship in a democratic society. It is an opportunity to explore ideas and expand one’s worldview. In the process, students gain the lifelong benefits of complexity of thought, personal fulfillment, economic opportunity, and global awareness.

The mission of the Elon Core Curriculum is to help students cultivate the intellectual curiosity, abilities, and knowledge required for lifelong learning as global citizens. To fulfill this fundamental mission of a liberal arts education, the Elon Core Curriculum is organized around three broad domains—inquiry, knowledge and communication—with specific goals for each. Further, this educational mission is deepened through intellectual reflection and practical engagement and is guided by two fundamental principles. First, ethical reasoning must guide the pursuit and use of knowledge. Second, personal and social responsibility must be fostered to encourage students to commit themselves to an intellectual life in the service of their community, country and the world beyond them.

Goals of the Elon Core Curriculum:

INQUIRY: The creative and critical processes used to acquire and develop knowledge

1. The identification of significant issues, the framing of questions, and the selection of appropriate modes of inquiry to address those questions
2. The knowledge and application of modes of inquiry within the arts and sciences
3. The integration of different modes of inquiry across disciplines

KNOWLEDGE: Theoretical and applied knowledge as constructed according to diverse epistemologies within contemporary and historical contexts

4. The understanding of theoretical knowledge spanning the social, material and natural worlds
5. The understanding of the multiple dimensions of human experience within and across cultures and environments
6. The integration and application of knowledge to address complex problems in local and global contexts

COMMUNICATION: Expressive and receptive communication in multiple contexts

7. The preparation and presentation of ideas and information orally, visually and in writing
8. The analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of information from multiple sources: oral, visual and written

The program consists of six elements:

I. First-Year Foundations

The First-Year Foundations launch the Elon experience by challenging students to think critically, engage globally, and communicate effectively. The Foundations consist of courses in writing and math, as well as a signature Elon course called “The Global Experience.” The Common Reading Program supplements the Foundations by facilitating shared intellectual experiences both in and out of the classroom.

COR 110

ENG 110

MTH 110

II. Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) – 2 units

The Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) prepares students for lives of meaningful work and service. By engaging students in opportunities that integrate knowledge and experience, the ELR fosters an understanding and life-long appreciation for learning. Students engage in a process that includes preparation, action, and reflection to develop the habits of mind required to learn effectively from experience and the commitment to put knowledge into action as responsible global citizens.

Two units of experiential learning are required to fulfill this requirement. Units may be obtained in the following ways:

Study abroad

4 credit hour course abroad = 1 unit

8 or more credit hours abroad = 2 units

Research

1 credit hour of research (courses numbered 498 or 499) = 1 unit

Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program = 2 units

Internships (including co-ops, teaching and practicums)

1 credit hour of internship = 1 unit

Service-learning

Designated service-learning course = 1 unit

Pre-approved service-learning experience mentored by the Kernodle Center = 1-2 units (40+ hours per unit)

Leadership

Pre-approved leadership experience mentored by the Center for Leadership = 1-2 units (40+ hours per unit)

Designated leadership ELR course = 1 unit

Other courses or experiences with ELR designation, approved by the Core Curriculum Council

Examples of ways a student could complete the ELR include the following:

• Two credits of internship or research (in one term or across two terms)
• Two winter term study abroad courses
• A semester study abroad program
• One service-learning course and one credit of research
• One leadership experience and one credit of internship
• Many other combinations

III. World Languages Requirement

Learning another language encourages engagement with other cultures and enhances one’s ability to participate meaningfully in local, national, and international settings. Advanced proficiency in a second language also deepens one’s understanding of multiple worldviews and historical perspectives.

To fulfill this requirement, students must meet one of the following:

1. complete a language course numbered 122 or higher at Elon, or receive transfer or study abroad credit for the same;
2. place into a language course numbered 200 or above upon arriving at Elon, using a department of world languages and cultures approved placement instrument;
3. score 4 or 5 on an AP language exam or similar exam.

In order to ensure consistent treatment of all students, each student must take the language placement test by October 1 of their first full year at Elon. Students are allowed two tries (both before October 1); the higher score is counted. That score stands and may not be replaced by later testing.

IV. Studies in the Arts and Sciences

Studies in the Arts and Sciences courses allow students to explore different approaches for understanding the world. Students learn to think through the lenses of different disciplines and use diverse bodies of knowledge in pursuit of a thoughtful, meaningful life.

V. Advanced Studies

Advanced Studies courses provide the opportunity to pursue depth in the arts and sciences outside the major. Many students use these courses to complete an interdisciplinary minor, a minor or double major in the arts and sciences, or a semester study abroad experience.

To fulfill this requirement, students must complete eight hours of 300-400 level courses outside the major field, chosen from departments and areas listed under the Studies in the Arts and Sciences. COR courses do not count in Advanced Studies.

VI. Interdisciplinary Capstone Seminar

These seminars are the capstone of the Elon Core Curriculum. They are opportunities for students to integrate and apply what they have learned during the Elon experience. More than 40 different seminar topics are offered each academic year, allowing students a wide range of choices. Every capstone seminar is interdisciplinary and writing-intensive, and includes a capstone project.

To satisfy this requirement, students must take an Elon COR course outside the major field at the 300- or 400-level during their third or fourth year of study.