http://www.whitworth.edu/core
Core/Worldview Studies
Whitworth’s Core Program, consisting of Core 150 and 300 in the School of Continuing Studies, focuses on the concept of worldview. Simply put, a worldview is a set of beliefs that we hold about the basic makeup of our world. A worldview serves as a lens through which we perceive and relate to reality; it is a set of core beliefs and basic understandings about the bigger and deeper questions of life.
The Ultimate Questions
To get at these core worldview beliefs and their related issues, the Core courses will focus on four foundational questions:
Metaphysics: What is the nature of reality (God, the world)? What is the nature of human beings?
Epistemology: What are our sources of knowledge?
Ethics and Policy: How should we act in response to reality (God, the world and humanity) as individuals and as a community?
Together, Core classes aim to provide students with basic categories of worldview thinking, to introduce ideas that have been influential, and to explore challenges to these ideas.
Student learning outcomes (Shared Curriculum – Belief Inquiry)
The Core courses are part of the Belief Inquiry Group (BIG) in the Shared Curriculum for Continuing Studies students. Like other courses in the Belief Inquiry Group, Core courses are dedicated to engaging Christian belief faithfully and critically, while welcoming the diversity of belief among our students and fostering a community of rigorous inquiry. The BIG nurtures curiosity, autonomy and humility in students as they explore their own beliefs and consider the beliefs of others. These courses ground, enrich and deepen worldview development by equipping students to apply philosophical, theological and ethical reasoning to questions about what is true, what is good and beautiful, and how we should live.
Under this broad umbrella, there are three objectives:
Explore: Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to metaphysics, epistemology, anthropology, politics, and/or ethics, and the relevance of these concepts to the development of a worldview.
Reflect: Analyze aspects of one's worldview in relation to metaphysics, epistemology, anthropology, politics, and/or ethics, with supported reasons for holding such a worldview.
Apply: Produce an argument that applies one's worldview to a given topic with supported reasons for holding such a view.
CO Courses
| CO 150 Ancient and Modern Worldviews in,Christian Perspective | 3 |
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This course engages students in the examination of,their beliefs regarding the nature of God,,humanity, and the world. Acknowledging both unity,and diversity within the Christian tradition, the,course focuses on aspects of a Christian,worldview, including key theological concepts. |
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| CO 150H Ancient and Modern Worldviews in,Christian Perspective | 3 |
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This course engages students in the examination of,their beliefs regarding the nature of God,,humanity and the world. It covers these topics by,helping students understand the nature and,formation of worldviews, providing an overview of,non-Christian religious traditions, articulating,the Christian tradition through the biblical story,and the three primary branches of Christianity,,and critically examining a number of contemporary,worldview-shaping factors. |
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| CO 250 Worldview & Role of Reason,Rationalist Worldview | 3 |
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This course examines, contextualizes, and,critiques views of the role of reason in human,thought from classical Greece to the contemporary,period. It models and encourages the articulation,of a coherent and supported worldview. |
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| CO 250H Worldview and the Role of Reason | 3 |
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This course engages students in study of sources,of knowledge (epistemology), with emphasis on the,role of reason, through analysis of intellectual,themes in films. Beginning with foundations in,ancient Greece, and extending through the growing,ascendancy of the Christian Church, the,Enlightenment, and periods of challenge,,contributions of rationalists and challenges to,rationalism are explored. Students are encouraged,to reflect on their own intellectual assumptions,,including the role that reason plays in knowing,what is true and discerning what is good. |
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| CO 300 Worldview, Reality, and Human Nature | 3 |
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This worldview course for Continuing Studies,students focuses on how questions regarding the,sources of knowledge, reality, ethics, and human,nature have been explored within Christian,,rationalist, and related traditions. Beginning,with the ancient Hebrews and Greeks, and,continuing through contemporary challenges to,their worldview assumptions, students are,encouraged to reflect on their own intellectual,assumptions regarding what is true and good, by,engaging with a range of perspectives from across,history. |
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| CO 300H Worldview in Policy | 3 |
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This course asks students to consider public,,social, and institutional policy against the,backdrop of worldview and ethics. It emphasizes,the application of worldview claims to the private,and public spheres of life, with special,consideration of practical and ethical questions. |
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| CO 350 Worldviews in Policy | 3 |
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This course asks students to consider public,,social, and institutional policy against the,backdrop of worldview and ethics. It emphasizes,the application of worldview claims to the private,and public spheres of life, with special,consideration of practical and ethical questions. |
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| CO 350H Worldviews in Policy | 3 |
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This course asks students to consider public,,social, and institutional policy against the,backdrop of worldview and ethics. It emphasizes,the application of worldview claims to the private,and public spheres of life, with special,consideration of practical and ethical questions. |
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SC Courses
| SC 101 Introduction to a Flourishing Life | 3 |
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This course explores rhythms and habits of human,flourishing in the context of Whitworth's,Christ-centered mission, identity, and community.,Drawing on numerous fields of inquiry, the course,will empower students to explore together the,contours of a wise and meaningful life through,ever-deepening communion with God, one another,,and creation. |
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| SC 125 First Year Seminar | 1 |
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Presentations, discussions, and activities that,encourage the successful transition to college,life and help first-year students become a part,of the Whitworth community. |
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| SC 125H Honors First Year Seminar | 1 |
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Presentations and discussions are designed to,inform frosh with honors at entrance about the,university's traditions, procedures and to help,them become a part of the Whitworth community and,the GW Honors Program. Elective for first-term,frosh interested in pursuing the GW Honors,Program. |
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| SC 126 Connecting the Disciplines | 1 |
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Introduction to interdisciplinarity and the,interdependence of knowledge. Students will,explore what it means to synthesize various sets,of knowledge and skills through interdisciplinary,learning. |
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| SC 126H Connecting the Disciplines (honors) | 1 |
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Introduction to interdisciplinarity and the,interdependence of knowledge. Students will,explore what it means to synthesize various sets,of knowledge and skills through interdisciplinary,learning. Whitworth Honors students take precedent,for enrollment. |
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| SC 301 Foundations of Vocational Service | 1 |
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The goal of this course is to motivate students to,consider the possibility post-graduate service,,explore the benefits of such service, and learn,how to apply for service opportunities. Students,will consider how their personal faith/worldview,can be integrated within the service experience.,Finally, students will learn how to find service,opportunities that are available to them locally,,nationally, and internationally. Intercultural,awareness and the benefits of reflection after,service will be emphasized. |
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| SC 325 Transfer Seminar | 1 |
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Presentations, discussions, and activities that,encourage the successful transition to college,life at Whitworth and help transfer students,become a part of the Whitworth community. |
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| SC 325H Honors Transfer Seminar | 1 |
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SC-325H is designed to assist transfer students in,a successful transition to the Whitworth,community. Students will learn about opportunities,and resources to help them connect with students,and faculty and plan a course for academic,success. While each section of the course has,unique properties, this course is designed to help,students get tapped into the Honors Program as,quickly as possible. |
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| SC 335 Transitions to Adult Learning | 3 |
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An introduction to the expectations and,methodology of the accelerated learning format,and the programs in the School of Continuing,Studies. Through readings, discussion, and,writing assignments, the course examines critical,thinking and communication skills. Topics include,self-directed collaborative learning, academic,research, and history/culture of Whitworth. This,course must be taken within the first semester of,attendance at Whitworth University. |
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| SC 424 Job Skills: How to Find & Do the Work,You Love | 2 |
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This course will prepare you with the knowledge,,skills, and professional materials needed to enter,a job or internship experience. Through discussion,& activities we will: 1) explore and identify the,work and career opportunities you are interested,in, and 2) further develop your professional skill,set through developing your resume, online,presence, job search and interview strategies to,expand your professional competency to help you,find and be prepared to work at a job, internship,and other future career opportunities. |
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| SC 425 Career and Professional Development | 3 |
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This course will prepare you with the knowledge,,skills, mentoring, and professional materials,needed to enter your career. Through discussion,,activities, presentations by industry experts, and,intentional mentoring and coaching with industry,professional mentors, we will: 1) identify your,professional skills set and career goals, 2),further develop your professional skill set,through developing your resume, online presence,,networking and interview strategies, and 3),collaborate with industry professional mentors to,expand your professional communication,competencies and ultimately further your,professional development. |
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