GENERAL STUDIES

Dr. Paul Hanstedt, Director

Six one-unit core courses are distributed throughout the student’s years at Roanoke College. All emphasize writing and critical thinking.

101 Critical Writing and Reading I

The first course of the two-term sequence in writing, containing both instructor choice and core readings. Major emphasis is placed on writing, with additional emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and an introduction to a liberal arts education. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

102 Critical Writing and Reading II

The second course of a two-term sequence in writing. Major emphasis is placed on persuasive writing, with additional emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and an introduction to a liberal arts education. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: General Studies 101.

201 Humanities I

The first of a two-term sequence of interdisciplinary courses, this course seeks to develop skills in understanding and appreciating our own and other peoples’ cultures through analysis of important works in the humanities. The course introduces students to important concepts, ideas, and institutions of western and non-western cultures up to 1600 that have shaped and continue to shape our world. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: General Studies 102.

202 Humanities II

The second of a two-term sequence of interdisciplinary courses, this course seeks to develop skills in understanding and appreciating our own and other peoples’ cultures through analysis of important works in the humanities. The course introduces students to important concepts, ideas, and institutions of western and non-western cultures from 1600 to the present that have shaped and continue to shape our world. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: General Studies 201.

370 Values and the Responsible Life

This course examines prominent theories of ethical action and character, and inquires into the philosophical and religious systems of value in which ethical thought and action take place. Building on the study of cultures undertaken in the Humanities sequence, the course emphasizes living traditions of ethical thought and reflects critically on their substance as well as on their applications to particular issues. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: General Studies 201 and General Studies 202.

400 Senior Symposium

The study of an issue of contemporary and enduring significance drawing on the knowledge and skills from the Roanoke College curriculum. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Completion of the Humanities sequence and General Studies 370.