Flags
In addition to the 48 credit hours required in the Core, students learn how to communicate more effectively within the area of their major (1) in oral and (2) written form. Students also work to strengthen their ability (3) to reason quantitatively. Students moreover explore (4) matters of diversity and (5) ethical and/or religious issues in society (the E/RS focus).
In the following five flagged courses, a flag constitutes a significant portion of a course in any discipline that is devoted to one of the five topics. Flagged courses are approved by the subcommittee devoted to each flag topic. No single course can be used to fulfill more than two flags. Flagged courses often double count for other courses in the core, for major requirements, and/or for minor requirements, and thus do not add to the total number of credit hours required in the Core Curriculum. Flagged courses can be any course, including Perspectives Courses, with the only exception being that the E/RS flag cannot also be the humanities elective.
See one example of how one department aims to integrate flagged courses into its offerings for students pursuing a major in that discipline.
Oral Communication Flag Courses
Oral Communication Flagged Courses instruct students in effective oral communication skills. Students learn to organize information, to engage an audience, and to make clear presentations. Many majors include such courses that will be tailored to their future professional needs. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
See the List of Approved Oral Communication Flag Courses.
Follow the Oral Communication Flag Course Guidelines to have considered for approval a course that might satisfy this flag.
Quantitative Reasoning Flag Courses
Quantitative-Reasoning Flagged Courses develop the ability to solve problems using numbers. In courses with this flag, students practice applying quantitative principles to real-world examples in order to obtain a better view of the situation at hand, or even solve a problem. Students learn to communicate precisely and accurately what they have done to obtain these results. Courses are also offered by various departments and students are encouraged to satisfy this, and all flags, by pursuing options offered within their major. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
See the List of Approved Quantitative Reasoning Flag Courses.
Follow the Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines to have considered for approval a course that might satisfy this flag.
Writing Flag Courses
Writing Flagged Courses give students instruction in how to collect information and convey ideas effectively. For many majors, these courses are contained within their majors' classes and will instruct them in the professional norms of their chosen field of study. Others are available throughout the university to simply advance their ability to write. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
See the List of Approved Writing Flag Courses.
Follow the Writing Course Guidelines to have considered for approval a course that might satisfy this flag.
Diversity Flag Courses
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.
Follow the Diversity Flag Course Guidelines to have considered for approval a course that might satisfy this flag.
Ethics/Religion and Society (E/RS) Flag Courses (the E/RS Elective)
Through the E/RS elective, students develop a more proficient and durable ability to reflect critically on ethical and/or religious questions of social significance. These courses are offered by many different departments. Use the "Attributes" feature in the course search window to identify them.
Follow the Ethics/Religion and Society (E/RS) Requirement Course Guidelines to have considered for approval a course that might satisfy this flag.