2009-2010 Undergraduate Bulletin (pdf) - LaGrange College

INTRODUCTION
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Faculty members and the staff of LaGrange College implement curricular
and co-curricular programs that contribute to the fulfillment of the mission
of the College and the quest for civility, diversity, service, and excellence.
Undergirding all of the academic programs at LaGrange College is a
fundamental commitment to the liberal arts. The underlying philosophy of
liberal learning is found in all parts of the curriculum of the College but is
most obvious in the structure of the Core Curriculum, which serves as
foundation of the academic experience at the College. Baccalaureate
majors share the Core Curriculum, which represents just less than forty
percent of a student’s formal study at the College. Specific courses within
the Core Curriculum are designed to integrate knowledge from diverse
disciplines.
Within a caring and ethical community, the total LaGrange College
program is designed to challenge and support students as they deal with
fundamental contemplations of self, world, and God. This program is
centered around the liberal arts curriculum, which provides engagement in
a breadth of scholarly disciplines and a foundation for a lifetime of
learning. Because of this orientation, students are given opportunities to
interpret and evaluate the influence of historical, cultural, artistic,
mathematical, scientific, and religious developments. They are exposed to
the modes of creative expression and participate in activities that foster
intellectual curiosity. Through a series of experiences allowing
examination of issues involving ethical reasoning, global awareness,
diversity, sustainability, civic knowledge and service, and personal
wellness, students have an opportunity to reflect upon and consider their
place in the world and their personal and social responsibilities.
The curriculum of LaGrange College is designed to improve students’
creative, critical, and communicative abilities, as evidenced by the
following outcomes:
• Students will demonstrate creativity by approaching complex problems
with innovation and from diverse perspectives.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking by acquiring, interpreting,
synthesizing, and evaluating information to reason out conclusions
appropriately.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in communication skills that are
applicable to any field of study.
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