Believing that a college defines itself through its curriculum the Roanoke College faculty endorses the curricular goals listed below. The student who successfully completes the curricular requirements at Roanoke College should possess:
1. a sound, broad intellectual foundation, including the ability to think logically, analytically, and creatively, and to make judgments and evaluations as a result of that process; flexibility, the ability to assume new tasks and to adapt to changing realities; the ability to function effectively, both independently and in groups;
2. an understanding of our world and the ability to communicate that understanding, including effective mathematical skills and communication skills, and an awareness of the potential capabilities of computer technology; knowledge of scientific and social scientific thought, methodology, and contributions; sound historical perspective, an appreciation for diverse cultures, and an aesthetic awareness and appreciation;
3. an integrated, mature perspective, including an understanding of the interrelationships among various disciplines; a set of moral and ethical values and a commitment to lifelong learning; awareness of the importance of mental and physical well-being;
4. a comprehensive background in a specific discipline, including the ability to recount and explain the basic facts and postulates of the discipline and to use them in the solution of problems; proficiency in the use of the techniques and the tools of the discipline; the ability to use the resources of the discipline to seek out and assimilate knowledge not a part of the classroom experience.
To achieve these four goals, the student at Roanoke College takes courses in the General Education program, completes a major, chooses elective courses, and participates in co-curricular 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, 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 a very student a comprehensive program of study that will benefit his or her life.
Of the 33 3/4 units required for a degree at Roanoke College, 14 3/4 units (which includes two one-fourth unit physical education activities and one-quarter unit of co-curricular learning) are needed to fulfill the Centers of Distinction requirements.
Freshmen begin the Centers of Distinction program at Roanoke College with two semester-long writing courses. Emphasizing writing as a process and using the workshop method, these courses teach students to develop and refine their rhetoric and writing styles, to improve their critical thinking skills, to practice the construction of sound and persuasive arguments, and to navigate the procedures and methodologies of research. Students are encouraged to use their writing skills purposefully, to express themselves meaningfully, and to explore ideas which interest them.
In the sophomore year, students take a two-semester sequence of courses designed to foster a better understanding of their own culture and the cultures of others. Students are introduced to significant achievements and developments in Western and some non-Western cultures from an interdisciplinary perspective, including history, literature, and the arts.
Also in the junior year, students explore some of the major moral and ethical issues of our day. The course is designed as an opportunity for students to reflect on their own values and beliefs while investigating the choices and philosophical systems of other peoples, both contemporary and past. It is not intended to indoctrinate or merely clarify whatever values the student has presently; rather, it provides an encounter wherein students are strongly encouraged to consider in a serious way values expressed in various traditions of religious, moral and intellectual thought.
The growth and learning achieved in the first three years of college is the prerequisite for admission to Senior Symposium. The Senior Symposia are highly reflective and conceptual explorations conducted by faculty and students together into problems of contemporary and enduring importance. Specific topics are proposed by professors and frequently change, providing fresh opportunities for students and professors to collaborate, as liberally educated men and women, in the discussion of fascinating interdisciplinary questions.
In addition to the seven core courses, students take additional courses in foreign languages, mathematical skills, scientific reasoning and physical education throughout their years at Roanoke.Students are required to complete up to one year of study of the same foreign language at Roanoke College. Students may be exempted from the requirement by demonstrating competency in a foreign language (see "Competency Standards" described elsewhere in this Catalog).
Students complete three one-unit courses designed to develop mathematical skills and to introduce the scientific method as applied to modern laboratory sciences. At least one course must be from among mathematics, statistics, or computer science. All courses emphasize problem-solving skills and applications of mathematics and technology in modern society. Students in some majors will take courses specifically designed to address the needs of their majors. The courses MATH 101, STAT 101 and CPSC 101 explore ideas appropriate for majors without special requirements. Substitutions may be made for these courses by taking any other MATH course, any STAT course, or any CPSC course. At most one CPSC course and one STAT course will count toward the requirement.
At least one course must be an introductory laboratory course (biology, chemistry, or physics). Students who take two laboratory courses to fulfill the requirement must take them from different disciplines. Students obtain a knowledge of the modern theories of the science, the ability to use the language of the science, and an appreciation for experimental techniques.
Students complete two one-unit introductory courses in the social sciences chosen from two of the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.
All students are required to complete one unit of Intensive Learning at Roanoke College. This experience is an in-depth study of a well-defined topic or issue that occurs during a period of time when a student is enrolled in one and only one course.
Roanoke College recognizes that important learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. To reinforce the idea of co-curricular learning, students in their first year at the College participate in community service and become involved in campus activities. Working with their academic advisors, students identify learning goals in the areas of (a) intellectual or aesthetic experiences, (b) leadership and citizenship, or (c) personal growth (physical, emotional and spiritual) and plan how to meet those goals. Students reflect on co-curricular learning throughout the semester and write a paper on their experiences at the end of each semester.
The co-curricular requirement is mandatory for one year, graded pass/fail, and earn 1/4 unit of credit that is outside the stipulated 33 academic units required for graduation. Students can complete additional units of co-curricular learning. These units would be graded pass/fail and would be listed on the transcript but would not count toward the number of academic units required for graduation.
All Roanoke College students will be required to take Physical Education 160: Fitness for Life (1/4 unit) to fulfill graduation requirements. In addition, all students will take a course (1/4 unit) in a lifetime sport or activity which is different from the activity taken in Physical Education 160. (All varsity athletes will take Physical Education 160: Fitness for Life, but may receive a Physical Education activity competency for satisfactorily completing one season of a varsity sport.) Physical Education 160 cannot be repeated for credit.
Roanoke College offers a four-year program designed to prepare teachers in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education within the requirements for the bachelor's degree and the sequence of courses within a student's academic major. The program provides the opportunity to gain teacher licensure in Virginia and approximately 40 other states through approval granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia under its National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification and the Legislative Contract Reciprocal Certification Programs.
Students who pursue licensure in education (elementary or secondary) must major in an academic area other than education. (Students may not major in Business Administration.) Securing an education advisor (preferably in the first year) is required. Students desiring to teach must plan their schedules to include specific professional education courses. Requirements for student teaching are available from the Department of Education and Physical Education. Deviation from the established program may necessitate summer school or additional terms of attendance.
The Honors Program is designed for students with excellent academic performance, broad extracurricular interests and leadership abilities. Approximately 40 freshmen are admitted to the Honors Program each year; a small number of first-semester sophomores may also be admitted as space permits. Honors students must complete the Honors curriculum (described below), maintain a 3.2 overall grade point average, and remain active in the Honors Plenary Enrichment Colloquia. Students who fail to achieve a grade point average of 3.0 in any term will be evaluated by the Honors Program Director.
The Honors Program substitutes a coordinated sequence of interdisciplinary courses for most of the core requirements. This sequence of courses includes:
Honors 101 Plenary Enrichment Colloquia
(repeated for credit each term)
Honors 105 The Freshman Experience
Honors 201 The Human Journey I
Honors 202 The Human Journey II
Honors 301 Honors Special Topics (2 required)
(from different divisions)
Honors 370 Values Practicum
Honors 411 Contemporary Challenges
Honors 412 Independent Elective/Study Project or Independent study in the student's major.
In addition, honors students are required to complete two semesters of mathematics, statistics and/or computer science. Any math class at or above 111 may count toward the requirement. Any computer science or statistics course may count toward the requirement, but only one course from each discipline may be used. For Honors students who do not have specific math/computer science/statistics requirements for their majors, MATH 112 and MATH 131 are recommended. Students must complete a choice of two one-unit laboratory courses in different disciplines (biology, chemistry, and physics). Students must complete two one-unit introductory courses in the social sciences chosen from two of the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. Honors students must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate level. In cases where a student presents a language at the introductory level but one which Roanoke College does not offer (Latin, for example), completion of only one year of a modern foreign language at Roanoke College will be required. Students must complete two physical education activities. One of these must be P.ED 160 (Fitness for Life); the other may be a 1/4 unit course in a different activity or participation in a varsity sport.
A Plenary Enrichment Program of supplemental activities, a special scholarship, and a distinct recognition on the diploma and transcript are provided to Honors students.
An Honors elective at Roanoke College may be chosen by any student, not just Honors students, who has at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average at the time of applying or the approval of the Honors Program Director. The elective consists of a student project that is guided and evaluated by a committee of three qualified persons, two chosen from the department of principal interest and including the project advisor, plus one other evaluator. The committee may request other specialists to join in the final evaluation of the student's work, which is to be the subject of an oral examination by the full committee. For additional details, consult the Honors Program Director. Honors in the major is not part of this Honors Elective option.
Internships, independent studies, and independent research are available within most of the College's academic disciplines in order to provide students with a practical application of their particular majors or more specialized study in a particular area. Students who wish to pursue an internship,
independent study or independent research should follow departmental guidelines for application. Generally, students wishing to register for independent studies, internships or independent research must make their requests known to a faculty member (the prospective supervisor) who, if agreeable to the request, will inform the department chair. One week prior to the beginning of each term the department chairs will complete and forward a request form to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. All approved requests are then sent to the Assistant Registrar in the Registrar's Office, and students are formally registered. The supervising professor will assign the grade; in the case of an internship, the professor will consult with the on-site supervisor if appropriate.
Independent studies and research are graded with letter grades. All internships are graded on a pass-fail basis; students must complete a minimum of 110 hours in the internship in order to earn credit. Students may not earn more than two units of internship credit toward a degree.
The Summer Scholar Program at Roanoke College is a grant program that enables qualified students to conduct intensive, independent research for eight to twelve weeks during the summer. To qualify, a student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have completed 8 units of credit by the start of the grant period. Each summer scholar works with a faculty mentor who guides the project. Over the course of the summer, students and mentors meet for a series of colloquia to share ideas. At the conclusion of the program, a day is set aside to showcase the work of the student scholars. In oral presentations, poster sessions, and research exhibits, they present the findings of their summer-long research, on projects that range from boron kinetics to women in the Great Depression. The Summer Scholar award covers course fees, on-campus housing, and a stipend of $2500.
Roanoke College sponsors a one-semester program in Washington, DC through the Lutheran College Washington Consortium. Students live and work in the nation's Capital. They take two academic courses and a two-credit internship in the office of a member of Congress, a government agency, a non-profit organization, a museum, a theater, or in other challenging positions designed to meet the student's needs and interests. In addition, they participate in field trips, lectures, cultural activities, and community service.
The full semester program is available in the fall and spring and is open to juniors and seniors in most academic disciplines. The summer semester in Washington is an intensive eight-week program in June and July which focuses on the internship experience, field trips and seminars, and cultural events unique to Washington in the summer.
Information is available through Dr. C.W. Hill
(Department of Public Affairs, 540-375-2423) or
Dr. Nancy D. Joyner, Dean,
Lutheran College Washington
Semester (1-888-456-5292), LCWC@DGSYS.COM
Roanoke College offers many study abroad programs that
allow students to earn academic credit while taking classes overseas. Students
may select from summer, semester, or academic year opportunities.
Through membership in several exchange programs, Roanoke College provides study
options in diverse global locations and in all disciplines. ISEP offers study
sites in 38 countries where the language of instruction may be in English or in
a foreign language. The CREPUQ Exchange brings study opportunities at some of
the most prestigious universities in Quebec, Canada. Study in all disciplines is
available with instruction being in English, French, or both. At the University
of East Anglia in Norwich, England, Roanoke College students continue to earn
credit while studying with British students. Opportunities to study in Asia
include a semester program in China as well as an exchange program with Kansai
Gaidai University in Japan. Students may also participate in approved junior
year abroad and semester abroad programs of other colleges through the
cooperation of accredited colleges and universities. Roanoke College is a member
of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and of the Institute of
International Education.
Summer study abroad has long been a tradition at Roanoke College. Students may spend five weeks in England through the Virginia Program at Oxford, or may participate in travel courses offered by Roanoke College faculty.
Students interested in studying abroad should contact the Office of International Programs (540-375-2299). Application procedures involve meeting all Roanoke College guidelines, including demonstration of appropriate academic preparation, meeting prerequisite requirements and foreign language ability where specified, and being a student in good standing. Appropriate approvals must be granted. For programs other than those directly administered by Roanoke College, prior approval must be obtained by the Associate Dean/Registrar in order to ensure proper transfer of credit.
In many professions, it becomes necessary for a student to make an academic commitment beyond the undergraduate level. It is recommended that students seek advice from their academic advisor on the selection of proper courses which will best serve them in graduate school. Career Services and the Registrar's Office are also available for assistance.
Health Professions Programs
Students planning to seek admission to medical, dental, veterinary school or to other health professions should plan their courses of study early. The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC), a group of science faculty members, serves to counsel students as to required courses and steps to take in the admission process.
Although most students preparing for further study in the health professions major in one of the sciences, it is possible to major in any field of interest, provided the minimum requirements of the program are met. Requirements of individual schools and programs vary, so it is important to check with the committee and the professional school catalog for specific requirements.
Generally most medical and dental schools require the following courses as the minimum for admission. These are usually taken in the first three years of college.
Biology 2 units
Chemistry, general 2 units
Chemistry, organic 2 units
Physics 2 units
The Writing Courses 2 units
Mathematics 2 units
Pre-Law Program
Professor G.O. Clemens, Advisor
There is no single prescribed course of study for those preparing for a career in law. Law schools seek students who are capable of analytical reasoning and clear, crisp writing. These skills may be developed in a variety of academic majors.
The General Education curriculum at Roanoke College emphasizes those skills necessary for success in law school. In addition, courses offered in political science, criminal justice, business administration and sociology majors provide training in specific law-related areas. Critical thinking and writing are major components of courses in these fields.
Admission to law school is quite competitive. Therefore, it is important that students contact the pre-law advisor early in their academic careers. The pre-law advisor has information on law school admissions, curricula, and financial aid.
The most important requirement for students heading for seminary or graduate study in religion is a broad education. The General Education curriculum at Roanoke College provides that. Many majors are also useful for future training for the ordained ministry. However, it is very important to have a good grasp of the history of philosophy and at least an introduction to the various fields of religious study--bible, church history, theology, ethics, and world religions. Knowledge in these fields is often presupposed in seminary training and graduate school. It is advisable for students planning to attend seminary to consult with a member of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and/or the Chaplain.
Dr. A.F. Barghouty, Coordinator
For students interested in entering engineering and allied professions, Roanoke College offers combined-plan programs with Washington University in St. Louis and with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Through these programs students are given the opportunity to broaden their academic background at a liberal arts college before beginning professional studies. The programs offer an attractive alternative to the highly structured, traditional engineering curricula.
In each of the 3-2 dual degree programs, students will complete all general education requirements of Roanoke College, and most of the requirements for a B.S. degree in Physics or Mathematics in the first three years of their program. Careful course selection is necessary to ensure that this can be done in three years. Students should contact the Program Coordinator upon enrollment to discuss a recommended course of study. Some of the specifically required courses vary with the engineering college to which the student will transfer, and also the engineering specialty within a given college. After completion of coursework at Roanoke College, the student transfers to one of the colleges of engineering described below. Admission requirements vary. In two additional years, students can generally complete the requirements for an engineering degree. Selected coursework from the engineering college is transferred back to Roanoke College to complete major requirement and the 33 total units of academic credit needed for graduation.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will receive a B.S. in Physics from Roanoke College and a degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Students who are sufficiently prepared and plan their course selections carefully should be able to complete the program in a total of five years, three at Roanoke College and two at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Students must complete all requirements of the Roanoke College general education program. In addition, students must complete 6 of the 8 core Physics courses, PHYS 453 (Electronics), MATH 121, 122, 221, and 331, which are required for the Physics Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, students should complete MATH 201 and 482, STAT 202, and 2 units of General Chemistry. After enrollment in the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, students must transfer back to Roanoke College sufficient appropriate course units to complete the requirements of the Physics B.S. and the total number of units required for Roanoke College graduation.
Admission to the University of Tennessee as a transfer student may occur at any time after a minimum of two years of study at Roanoke College. Applications are available from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Office of Admissions, and the applicants should specifically note in a cover letter their desire to be admitted under the dual degree program with Roanoke College. Participants in this program who have completed the requirements listed above and have a grade point average of 3.0 or above are guaranteed admission to the College of Engineering's nuclear engineering major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she meets all degree requirements at University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Completion of degree requirements at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville does not constitute completion of Roanoke College degree requirements or vice versa.
Under this 3-2 program, students who complete the prescribed three-year program at Roanoke College are recommended to Washington University for admission. The final admission decision rests with Washington University. To be recommended to Washington University, the student must have completed at least 27 units and have a 3.00 or higher grade point average both overall and in science and mathematics courses taken at Roanoke College. Upon completion of the five-year program the student is awarded a degree from Roanoke College in mathematics or physics and an engineering degree from Washington University.
The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech and Roanoke College have joined to provide a program leading to a dual-degree program in engineering and the liberal arts. Students pursue a joint program of study beginning at Roanoke College and then transfer to Virginia Tech, earning a B.S. degree in engineering from Virginia Tech and the B.A. or B.S. degree from Roanoke College. This program allows the student at Roanoke College to begin his or her education at a small, high-quality, liberal arts institution, to sample basic engineering courses at a nearby internationally recognized engineering college before committing to the full study of engineering, and then, if desired, to pursue degrees at both institutions.
During the summer between either the student's first and second year or the second and third year at Roanoke College, the student should attend Virginia Tech as a special summer student and take the introductory engineering courses required of engineering students at Virginia Tech.
Admission to Virginia Tech as a transfer student may occur at any time after two years of study at Roanoke College, preferably after the student has completed Virginia Tech's EF 1005, EF 1006 (Introduction to Engineering) and ESM 1004 (Engineering Statistics). While admission may be approved for the spring semester, summer or fall transfer is encouraged. Transfer applicants must meet all normal transfer admission requirements of Virginia Tech.