The Curriculum Goals
Roanoke College's curricular goals reflect the commitment to
an integrative approach to education as put forth in our
Statement of Purpose.They focus on teaching the liberal arts
and a specialized area of study, as well as providing for the
personal growth of our students. Students completing the
Roanoke College curriculum successfully will have:
1. A broad base of knowledge and skills, including:
. the ability to think critically and to communicate
effectively, both orally and in writing;
. knowledge of mathematical, scientific, and social scientific
thought, methodology, and contributions;
. knowledge of the human heritage along with an
appreciation for diverse cultures and languages;
. aesthetic awareness and appreciation; and
. the ability to engage different systems of values and
thought, both religious and secular.
2. A deep and balanced area of specialization in an academic
discipline, including:
. knowledge of the fundamental facts and postulates of the
discipline as well as advanced knowledge within it;
. understanding of the discipline's role in society and its
relation to other disciplines;
. the skills needed to apply knowledge of the discipline to
solve problems; and
. the ability to use technology relative to the discipline.
3.A mature, integrated perspective that includes:
. the ability to view issues from an interdisciplinary
perspective;
. a set of moral values based on critical reflection;
. the ability to engage the spiritual and ethical dimensions
of their work and in their lives;
. commitment to service to others;
. attitudes that support personal and social growth, along
with mental and physical well-being; and
. intellectual curiosity and a desire to continue learning.
To achieve these three goals, the student at Roanoke College
takes courses in the General Education program, completes a
major, chooses elective courses, and participates in cocurricular
activities.
Our curriculum strikes an appropriate balance between
knowledge and skills. We think that it will help our students
to live the fullest possible life, to accept responsibility as
workers and citizens, to form valid judgments, and to make
ethical choices with integrity.
Of course, these are ideals. No college can guarantee that all
these things will happen to every student. The Roanoke
faculty believes nonetheless that this is a curriculum which
offers every student a comprehensive program of study that
will benefit his or her life.