Cultural Understanding
To truly embody the "One for All" values, one must cultivate an understanding of our own culture and how it affects us, as well as differences in the cultures of others and how their lives are affected too. Many Xavier courses will explore these themes. However, some courses have been designated as particularly useful in guiding the growth of cultural understanding.
Diversity Curriculum Requirement (DCR)
Our experiences of the world may seem absolute, but in many ways they are shaped by our culture. The ability to analyze the ways that cultures affect experiences and opportunities is invaluable in today's society. In this course, students will examine the social, economic, political, psychological, and cultural experiences and positions of individuals and groups defined by gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, age, religion, and physical/mental abilities. The ability to explain their own cultural perspective and make meaningful comparisons to other cultural perspectives will improve students' abilities to live and work effectively with diverse groups and individuals. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
Second Language
As a student attending a Jesuit Institution whose motto includes "men and women for others," students should strive to become a responsible global citizen. Language and culture are inextricably connected, and therefore the geography, history and language of a society shape its culture. At some point during their first two or three years at Xavier, students will immerse themselves in a culture and language other than their own through intermediate-level study of a language, which will lead to greater cross-cultural competency, language proficiency, sensitivity, appreciation, and engagement. Language 201 courses are offered by the Classics and Modern Languages Department. This requirement may in the future also be satisfied by some study abroad experiences; however, the criteria for inclusion remain TBD.