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 The Common Curriculum reflects Trinity's commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, and it is the heart of our rigorous academic program. This series of seminars, workshops, and courses will introduce new areas of interests and are designed to give students a thorough understanding of the world’s scientific, political, philosophical, and artistic traditions. Meant to establish a basis for understanding the varied domains of human knowledge and experience, the Common Curriculum also hones the skills necessary for active participation in the academic life of the university.
Paramount among those skills is the ability to think creatively and critically, and to express ideas in an effective manner. The Common Curriculum consists of the following parts:
- First Year Seminar Program: A course with variable themes, taught by faculty from all disciplines of the university. Comprised of a maximum of15 first year students, each seminar inducts students into an intellectual discussion of substantive issues and enhances their speaking, writing, and bibliographic skills.
- Writing Workshop: A class focused on developing rhetorical skills in first year students, and designed to refine and strengthen skills in critical reading, analysis, judgment, and written composition.
- Proficiency in Foreign Language, Computer, and Mathematics Skills: Proficiency in these three areas are an imperative part of a contemporary education. Language and math requirements may be met through high school course work. Computer proficiency may be proved by passing an exam during orientation or completing a course in the first three semesters at Trinity.
- Fitness Education: Students should possess sufficient knowledge, understanding, and skill to make intelligent decisions relating to health and fitness throughout their lives. This requirement may be satisfied by participating in a high school club or varsity sport for one season or by completing any approved sport or fitness activity.
- A senior experience offers Trinity students various ways to reflect on and unify their four years at Trinity while moving toward their post-baccalaureate goals. Students must complete one of the four following options:
Senior Thesis (as directed by individual departments)
Major Capstone course (as defined by individual departments)
Senior Synthesis (paper or project)
Senior Interdisciplinary Seminar
- Five Fundamental Understandings: Students can choose from a wide variety of classes in each of the five essential areas below, which represent the foundation of a liberal arts education.
I. Understanding Cultural Heritage (9 hours; 3 courses)
a. Cultural Traditions Indigenous to Africa, Asia and the Americas (at least 3 hours; 1 course)
b. Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian Traditions through Early Modern Period (at least 3 hours; 1 course)
II. Understanding the Arts & Literature (9 hours; 3 courses)
a. Visual Arts, Music, Performance, and Aesthetic Production (at least 3 hours; 1 course)
b. Literary Studies (at least 3 hours; 1 course)
III. Understanding Human Social Interaction (9 hours; 3 courses)
a. Approaches to the Social Sciences (6 hours; 2 courses)
b. Social Issues and Social Values (3 hours; 1 course)
IV. Understanding Quantitative Reasoning (3 hours; 1 course)
V. Understanding Natural Science & Technology (6 hours)
a. Using Scientific Methods (at least 1 course)
b. Natural Science (at least 3 hours; 1 course)
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