Dec 02, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Core Curriculum



Requirements for All Degrees

To earn an undergraduate degree from Radford University, students must fulfill both Core Curriculum requirements and the requirements associated with a specific degree and major, as well as sufficient electives to complete the minimum semester hours required for graduation.

Core Curriculum requirements are detailed below. They are followed by an outline of requirements associated with specific degrees (B.A., B.S., etc.). Details of the requirements for specific degrees and majors can be found in the department sections.

Core Curriculum (30-36 hours)

Radford University is committed to the development of mature, responsible, well-educated citizens. In addition to acquiring a diverse body of knowledge, RU graduates will possess a love of learning and a range of intellectual skills that enable them to meet the challenges and realize the promise of living in a complex, multicultural, and ever-changing world.

Core Curriculum emphasizes competencies that are central to a liberal arts education in the modern world. These are the competencies that students will need for lifelong learning and success. These courses allow students to engage in exploration and learning both within and without their majors as they pursue their educational and professional goals.

Courses taken for Core Curriculum credit may not be cross credited (used to satisfy requirements in two Core Curriculum categories), but courses may be cross credited to majors, minors and certificates.

Core Curriculum requirements address several competency categories:

  • Foundational Writing (3 hours)
  • Foundational Math (3 hours)
  • Writing Intensive (6 hours)
  • Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning (6-8 hours)
  • Humanistic or Artistic Expression (6-8 hours)
  • Cultural or Behavioral Analysis (6-8 hours)

TOTAL: 30-36 hours

Competencies

Foundational Writing (3 hours)

The goal of Foundational Writing is to develop students’ understanding of the principles and elements of effective written communication through applied practice, self-evaluation, and revision. Students will

  • employ reading strategies to facilitate written communication;
  • engage in the recursive writing process, including pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading to improve written communication; and
  • will use appropriate vocabulary, mechanics, grammar, and style.

Foundational Math (3 hours)

The goal of Foundational Math is for students to apply the tools of mathematics to conceptualize and solve problems in everyday life. Students will

  • translate information among various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words);
  • successfully solve problems using appropriate mathematical tools; and
  • draw appropriate conclusions based on mathematical evidence.

Writing Intensive (6 hours)

The goal of Writing Intensive courses is to provide students with the instruction and feedback to allow them to become more adept at producing appropriate and effective written work. Students will

  • demonstrate proficiency in the writing conventions of a discipline and
  • communicate through writing their understanding of disciplinary content and/or texts.

Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning (6-8 hours)

The goal of Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning courses is for student to apply scientific and quantitative reasoning to questions about the natural world, mathematics, or related areas. Students will

  • apply scientific and quantitative information to test problems and draw conclusions; and
  • evaluate the quality of data, methods, or inferences used to generate scientific and quantitative knowledge.

Humanistic or Artistic Expression (6-8 hours)

The goal of Humanistic or Artistic Expression courses is for students to explore humanistic or artistic expression through inquiry or creativity. Students will

  • demonstrate understanding of diverse ideas, languages, products, or processes of humanistic inquiry or artistic expression; and
  • critically evaluate, synthesize, or create forms of human expression or inquiry.

Cultural or Behavioral Analysis (6-8 hours)

The goal of Cultural or Behavioral Analysis Courses is for students to examine the context and interactions of culture(s) and/or behaviors. Students will

  • describe behaviors, beliefs, cultures, social institutions, and/or environments; and
  • analyze the interactions of behaviors, beliefs, cultures, social institutions, and/or environments.

Courses that Fulfill Core Curriculum Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 hours)*

* Students in the RU Honors Academy

Foundational Math (3 hours)

Or placement in higher mathematics course or competency assessment or course deemed foundational math by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Writing Intensive (6 hours)*

Some of these courses may be restricted to certain majors or may have prerequisites. Check with your advisor.

Or any course designated as WI (Writing Intensive). For a complete list of Writing Intensive courses please visit the REAL Curriculum website.
*Students in the RU Honors Academy

Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning (6-8 hours)

Humanistic or Artistic Expression (6-8 hours)

Cultural or Behavioral Analysis (6-8 hours)