Undergraduate College Core Curriculum

The Undergraduate College: Traditional, On Campus

Rosemont College’s Core Curriculum combines a carefully chosen selection of classes with 21st century educational practices to most effectively prepare graduating students for success in their careers and personal lives. By integrating innovative teaching methods and relevant subject matter, the curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

In addition to training students for the workplace, Rosemont College fosters a rich cultural, religious, and artistic environment through a variety of programs, events, and courses. From multicultural celebrations to religious studies courses and creative arts workshops, students have numerous opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives, enriching their lives both personally and professionally.

Students develop a sense of social responsibility and strong intellectual and practical skills that span all areas of study, and a demonstrated ability to apply everything they’ve learned to real-world settings.

 Liberal Arts Core Curriculum

Mastery of the core curriculum — including ethics, mathematics, science, and religious studies — develops intellectual skills that lead learners to feel comfortable in many fields. Core Curriculum is at the heart of what it means to be college educated. Liberal Arts students learn to think critically, approach problems from various angles, communicate clearly, and assume leadership roles.

In addition to the Rosemont College Core Curriculum Philosophy, Standard III of the Middle States Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation also affirm our commitment to providing a broad and diverse Core Curriculum. This fosters a diverse intellectual learning experience, expanding upon students' cultural and global awareness to prepare them to make well reasoned judgments both inside and outside of their academic discipline. Our students practice verbal and written communication skills, learn to analyze, develop problem solving strategies, test ideas, and integrate them into actionable plans, all within the context of a broad understanding of the world.

Rosemont College graduates learn to examine complex issues and challenges from multiple perspectives and suggest innovative approaches to handling situations. They are prepared for cutting edge careers.

Why Study Core Curriculum at Rosemont?

According to a survey, three out of five employers report that it takes both specific and broad knowledge, in addition to skills, to achieve long term success. This underscores the increasing importance of our Liberal Arts Core Curriculum program. It equips Rosemont graduates to become better leaders, team members, strategic thinkers, and more marketable.

Rosemont College’s Core Curriculum Curriculum combines a carefully chosen selection of classes with innovative teaching methods to effectively prepare graduating students for their future. Students develop a sense of social responsibility along with strong intellectual and practical skills that span all areas of study, demonstrating their ability to apply their learning to real world settings.

Rosemont doesn’t solely train students for the workplace; it also cultivates their cultural, spiritual, and artistic sensibilities to enhance their quality of life.

Rosemont's intentionally small class sizes foster deep connections among students and professors, enabling you to discover your unique voice and expand your professional opportunities. Our intimate academic environment encourages active participation in learning - you'll contribute to discussions, engage with diverse viewpoints, and think critically about your own ideas.

Since 1921, Rosemont has been dedicated to supporting students like you in advancing their lives and those of their families through education. We believe in making quality education affordable and attainable; this commitment is reflected in every aspect of our application process.

 Rosemont College Core Curriculum Components

Five Perennial Questions

1. 1. What skills do we need to function effectively in today’s society (both local and global)?
   2. Why is human culture so diverse, and what can we learn by studying the ways of others?
   3. Why is knowledge of the ideas and practices of natural science and mathematics essential to our lives?
   4. How should we live our lives, and how should we treat others?
   5. How can we transform what we learn in our lifetimes into actions that improve the quality of both our lives and the lives of others?

 Core Skills

The ‘Wants of the Age’ Core Curriculum is a student’s introduction to the Mission of Rosemont College. It exposes a student to the fundamental ideas and intellectual activities in the spirit of Cornelia Connelly.

Mastering core skills is the most important thing students can do to get through their college career. The First Year Connections Seminar introduces students to college life and to the Rosemont community while also teaching them how to do well in class, build strong friendships, and form bonds with faculty who will personally guide them through their Rosemont Experience.

In ‘First Year Composition,’ students master how to write a quality paper—everything from picking a research question and forming a thesis to organizing it and finding the best sources. Students build on these skills in Advanced Composition and Oral Communication, in which emphasis is placed on public speaking to conquer fears and clearly convey ideas.

Ethics In Action

Human beings encounter ethical dilemmas constantly, ranging from the minor to the monumental, and the decisions we make can profoundly impact many individuals. Unfortunately, arriving at the right decision is often challenging. One of the most sought-after skills by employers is the ability to make ethical decisions. Ethics in Action equips students with the skills necessary for ethical reasoning, leading to innovative and moral choices.

Courses in ethics, along with the thought-provoking speakers and activities sponsored by Rosemont’s Institute for Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility, not only help students improve themselves but also instill the confidence to stand up when faced with adversity and to lead by example.

Multiculturalism and Gender or Global Awareness-Culture

The United States has gone through a complicated process to reach equality; however, we continue to experience issues that emerge from our ‘melting pot’ society. Courses in Multiculturalism and Gender are designed to examine issues of gender and identity. Students learn about the construction of ‘identity’ and how individuals choose their identity. This will help prepare students to interact and work with others who have different identities from theirs.

Foreign Language

There are over seven billion people living in the world today. These seven billion people, though similar, have a variety of different beliefs, customs, and cultures. Courses in Foreign Languages are designed to provide students with knowledge of the vast world we live in and the inhabitants we share it with. Students take courses that teach them skills needed to navigate a global environment and become culturally-minded, understanding individuals who can better experience the beauty the world has to offer.

Creative Expression

Creative Expression taps into students’ artistic sensibilities to improve their creativity. Not only do students gain an appreciation for the arts, but they also improve in a specific art discipline, such as painting, drawing, graphic design, and others, allowing them to build an impressive portfolio.

Unlocking a student’s creativity can also lead to better problem-solving. Students might not create the next statue of David or hang their work of art in the Louvre, but the important thing is that they learn the basics of a form of art and learn how to express themselves creatively.

Social Science

Humans are complex, social beings and often act in mysterious ways. But there is an explanation for human behavior, and courses in Social Sciences explore those roots. Drawing from a range of courses in psychology, political science, sociology, and economics, students learn exactly what motivates humans to do what we do and understand the external forces that drive us to behave a certain way. The more students understand people, the better they will get along with them.

Theology & Religious Studies

Religion has played a major role in our world over the course of human history. Whether on a personal, international, or political level, 85 percent of the world’s population identify with a religion. It has had an immense impact on our world in recent times, and if we are to continue on an international path, students must have a basic understanding of the world’s major religions and their influences.

Students must be able to hold inter-religious dialogues and coexist with individuals who hold different beliefs. Courses in Religious Studies provide students with two distinct perspectives on religion. The first considers the Bible from a scholarly viewpoint, instead of a theological one, taking into consideration the ways in which the Bible influences other aspects of life and how to discuss its influence with other religions.

The second introduces students to the rich historical roots and traditions of Rosemont College in the Catholic faith. Religions have emphasized their differences for much of time, but because students take courses in Religious Studies, they learn to recognize similarities, learn from one another, and improve their own worldview.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Problems always present themselves in life, and they can be simple or complex—from what to wear to which political candidate to vote for. No matter what the problem is, students need to be able to think clearly about problems and come to solutions. Courses in Problem Solving and Critical Thinking help students master the skills needed to handle the range and intricacy of the many problems they face during their lives. These include courses in mathematics and statistics, which strengthen quantitative reasoning skills and logic to help form valid and sound arguments.

Natural Sciences

Science has given us the ability to send someone to the moon, instantly communicate with someone on the other side of the planet, save a life, and understand exactly how the world works. It all comes down to a relatively simple method that seeks to find answers to questions in a way that can be repeated and that stands the test of time. Courses in Science introduce students to the basics of either biology or chemistry so that they can have a better understanding of how the natural world works and how to utilize the concepts behind the scientific method in their everyday lives.

Humanities

Since the dawn of humanity, humans have set out to create a civilization that is far more beautiful and complex than anything imaginable. To fully understand where we are today, we must scrutinize from where we have come and the journey we’ve taken to get here. Courses in humanities examine histories, the great works of art and literature, and the big questions that humans have asked from the beginning of our existence.

With classes in history, English, and philosophy, students gain the knowledge to think critically, base their decisions on evidence, and improve their appreciation of the world in which we live.

Experiential Learning

The Experiential Learning component of the curriculum is designed to give students experience in the real world. The College offers several options for students to choose from: internships, study abroad trips, service learning, and undergraduate research. These are coordinated by the Office of Post Graduate Success and Experiential Learning.

Students work with their faculty advisors and the experiential learning coordinator to select the most appropriate option based on their personal interests, relevance to their studies, and completion of the requirements for their major.

During and after the experiential learning component, students complete a project illustrating how it has contributed to their overall learning. Experiential learning is just one more way that Rosemont College is dedicated to preparing its students for successful futures.

Sustainability

As our world population continues to expand and we continue to use our resources at demonstrably unsustainable rates, we are forced to search for more manageable and healthier ways of living. Some may view this as a challenge, but those who view it as an opportunity to create a better world will be the most creative and most successful. Courses in Sustainability teach students to examine the environmental problems we face both in the present and in the future that directly influence our way of life.

 Senior Capstone

At the end of their college career, students will take the Senior Capstone component of the Rosemont Experience. Students take everything they have learned at Rosemont—from their major, core curriculum, experiential learning, clubs, friends, faculty and more—and pull it all together in a culminating project. This project allows them to explore their passions and prove they’ve developed a well-rounded mind and what they have mastered in earning their degree.

Choose Your Path to Success

At Rosemont College, we prepare all our students to build careers grounded in sound leadership, ethics, and communication, complemented by strong skills in their chosen fields of study. Regardless of your major, our curriculum goes beyond mere job training. It fosters a sense of social responsibility and equips you with robust intellectual and practical skills essential for success in real world settings. If you're uncertain about which path to take, our faculty will provide guidance to help you make the choice that aligns best with your interests.

Strengthen Your Degree with a Minor

Choose from a wide variety of minors to complement your undergraduate degree. If you wish to learn about a completely different subject, would like to determine your career path or wish to complement your degree, Rosemont College has a diverse array of minor studies to choose from.

When considering a minor, students can consult with their academic advisors to ensure that the courses required for the minor fit into their overall academic plan and personal goals.

Do You Want To Be A Teacher?

Rosemont College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Education, along with teaching certifications. These Education courses are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, making them suitable for individuals aspiring to become teachers or those contemplating a career change. Courses are available in both traditional and online formats for convenience.