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.