Core Courses

Academic Brochure (pdf)

Christendom College’s exploration of truth begins with a systematic exposition of Catholic doctrine in the freshman year, followed by courses in Sacred Scripture, moral theology and apologetics, enabling the student both to defend the faith and to apply it to his own life. In conjunction with this, courses in Thomist philosophy of human nature and metaphysics assist the student in using reason to understand the nature of reality and to illumine further the truths of revelation.

An indispensable element in any sound education is learning to distinguish truth from error or distortion, and then to communicate truth accurately, effectively, and convincingly to others. Therefore, Christendom College requires an introduction to the fundamental questions and methods of philosophy, the study of logic and mathematics and scientific thought, and training in the arts of discourse, and four semesters of a foreign language, usually taken in the first two years. The study of a foreign language, particularly of an inflected language, leads the student to an understanding of the nature and structure of language as such, and hence to a true command of language. Furthermore, foreign language study both enhances linguistic skills and enables the student to gain a fuller appreciation of other cultures, a purpose which is also served by three courses each in the great tradition of Western literature and the history of Western civilization.

The transformation of all history by the Incarnation makes a truly Christ-centered study of the past indispensable to any who would understand the present and shape the future. At Christendom College such a study includes a chronological examination of the formation and disintegration of Christian culture from ancient times to the present. Moreover, to assist students going on to make history themselves, there are courses in political theory and the social teachings of the Church which provide a sound alternative to modern economic systems and ideologies.

At Christendom College, then, a student probes deeply into truth, practices effective communication with others, learns from the past, and prepares to shape a Christian future.

The sequence of courses in the core curriculum is an essential element of the educational structure, and may be deviated from only in special cases with the permission of the Academic Dean.

All upper-division courses (301-512) have as a general prerequisite the completion of the lower division core curriculum (101-202). For specific prerequisites, see the individual departmental course descriptions. Petitions for exceptions must be addressed to the Academic Dean or the relevant department chairman.

A minimum of 84 credit hours is required for the A.A. degree, including the full complement of the core curriculum. A minimum of 126 hours is required for the B.A. degree. Students who elect a double major, however, are required to complete a minimum of 132 hours for the B.A. degree.

Core Courses

FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

• English 101 (Literature of Western Civilization I)
• History 101 (Ancient and Biblical World)
• Philosophy 101 (Introduction to Philosophy)
• Theology 101 (Fundamentals of Catholic Doctrine I)
• Language 101 (French, Greek, Latin or Spanish)
• Mathematics 101 (Euclidean Geometry or other college-level math)

Second Semester

• English 102 (Literature of Western Civilization II)
• History 102 (The Formation of Christendom)
• Philosophy 102 (Philosophy of Human Nature)
• Theology 102 (Fundamentals of Catholic Doctrine II)
• Language 102 (French, Greek, Latin or Spanish)
• Science 102 (Introduction to Scientific Thought)

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

• English 201 (Literature of Western Civilization III)
• History 201 (The Division of Christendom)
• Philosophy 201 (Ethics)
• Theology 201 (Introduction to the Old Testament)
• Language 201 (French, Greek, Latin, or Spanish)
• Political Science 201 (Principles of Political Theory)

Second Semester

• English 202 (The Literature of Western Civilization IV)
• History 201 (Church and World in the Modern Age)
• Philosophy 202 (Metaphysics)
• Theology 202 (Introduction to the New Testament)
• Language 202 (French, Greek, Latin, or Spanish)
• Political Science 202 (Social Teachings of the Church)

THE ADVANCED CURRICULUM

The curriculum of the junior and senior years combines a six-hour requirement in philosophy, a six-hour requirement in theology, and a three-hour requirement in literature with extensive studies in a major of the student’s choice, and electives. A senior thesis is required of all seniors.

Majors are offered in Classical Studies, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Economics, and Theology. These majors are described under their respective headings in this Bulletin. Minor concentrations also are available in each of these disciplines, as well as in Mathematics.

Advanced courses required of all students are as follows:

• PHIL 301 History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
• PHIL 302 History of Modern Philosophy
• THEO 301 Moral Theology
• THEO 302 Apologetics

top of page