Areas of Understanding

The Elizabethtown College Core Program consists of eight thematic Areas of Understanding (AU).

Power of Language (two courses)

Courses in this AU develop students’ abilities to: 1) articulate ideas through extensive experience in the use of logic and rhetoric, that is, to write and speak logically, persuasively and creatively, as well as read carefully and critically; 2) analyze and synthesize new ideas; and 3) learn how language affects thinking and conceptual development.

One of the courses in this AU must be a writing-based English course (English 100) or, for advanced students who test accordingly, an upper-level course (English 150 or Philosophy 110). Students placed in English 100 successfully must complete English 100 for their Power of Language AU. Students who receive AP or transfer credit for English 100 or who enroll in English 100 cannot receive credit for English 150. The Power of Language – English course must be taken during the students’ first year or prior to the start of their second year.

The second course in the Power of Language AU must be a Modern or Ancient Language course. Approved courses in this AU currently include courses in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Classical Greek, Koiné Greek, Biblical Hebrew and Sanskrit. Consult the online list of approved courses for the complete list of specific language courses.

Mathematics (one course)

This AU stresses competency in quantitative reasoning and mastery of problem-solving skills. Courses in Mathematical Analysis: 1) develop an awareness and appreciation for the cultural significance of mathematics, its contributions to the modern world, and its power in shaping current thought; 2) present concepts that encourage a sophisticated response to arguments and positions that depend on symbolic logic and/or numbers and statistics; 3) stress ways in which numerical data and/or symbolic interpretations increasingly make accessible more profound levels of knowledge and understanding; 4) develop the ability to model real-world phenomena logically and mathematically; and 5) develop problem-solving strategies.

Based upon mathematical and analytical skill level, new students are required to take either Mathematics 011 (a college mathematics preparatory course that does not count for Core or graduation credit) or a college-level mathematics course. Students with a placement of Mathematics 011 are required to complete this course prior to enrolling in a Mathematics Core course.

Creative Expression (one course or course equivalent)

Courses in this AU focus on and require creation or performance in an artistic medium. In doing so, courses in Creative Expression: 1) introduce students to basic concepts and vocabulary employed in the creation and analysis of like
artworks and prepare them to make informed aesthetic judgments; 2) develop the awareness that creative art forms affirm our humanity by giving expression to our innermost feelings; and 3) help students to understand that an artistic medium has value.

If dance courses are selected to satisfy the Creative Expression Core requirement, two dance courses must be selected. Four credits in applied music lessons or in qualified music ensembles may be used to fulfill this requirement as long as the work is letter-graded. Refer to the online list of Core courses for music courses that are approved.

Western Cultural Heritage (one course)

Courses in this AU introduce students to Western cultural heritage through the critical analysis of significant human endeavors. Courses in this AU teach students: 1) an important aspect of Western cultural heritage; 2) the complexity of the past and its relationship to the contemporary world; 3) that knowledge can be subject to a variety of interpretations; 4) to place the subject in its historical context; and 5) critical analysis of primary and/or secondary sources.

Non-Western Culture Heritage (one course)

Courses in this AU introduce students to non-Western cultural heritage through the critical analysis of significant human endeavors. Courses in this AU teach students: 1) an important aspect of non-Western cultural heritage; 2) the complexity of the past and its relationship to the contemporary world; 3) that knowledge can be subject to a variety of interpretations; 4) to place the subject in its historical context; and 5) critical analysis of primary and/or secondary sources.

Natural and Physical Sciences (two courses in different disciplines)

Courses in the Natural and Physical Sciences: 1) present major scientific concepts; 2) include appropriate background literature, data analysis and the multiple interpretations that may result and, if a laboratory course, also include data collection; and 3) develop understanding of the method of scientific inquiry, i.e., the relationship between hypotheses, experimentation, theories and laws. Students must complete at least one laboratory course to satisfy the Natural and Physical Sciences AU.

Social Sciences (one course)

Courses in this AU emphasize the ways in which human behavior is shaped, ranging from the formation of the self to the interaction of nations. Courses in the Social Sciences: 1) introduce major concepts, theories and texts that interpret and explain human behavior and interaction; 2) explore the diversity and/or integration of social worlds; 3) examine the organization and function of one or more social systems; 4) explore and analyze those influences that affect human thought, feelings and behaviors; and 5) introduce the methods and procedures of social research.

Humanities (one course)

Courses in this AU examine values by engaging students in the decision-making process and by encouraging them to consider the implications of their choices for self and society. Courses in the Humanities: 1) examine the nature and origin of one or more values that govern human conduct; 2) consider values in the context of fundamental human dilemmas; 3) introduce students to major works representing aesthetic, cultural, historical, religious or philosophical approaches to the understanding of values; 4) examine how an individual’s values and choices can be influenced by many factors; and 5) encourage students to make thoughtful decisions.

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