I find the foundation of Jesuit education - the Core Curriculum - both a pro and a con and I’m wondering how others view it.
My daughter has been admitted to BC CSOM as well as some other universities. One university was eliminated from consideration because it’s primarily a business school and we’re interested in a broad education as well as a highly rated business program. The other university is still a strong contender. It has a strong business school within a Liberal Arts College. The required university courses there are broad like BC, but there are not quite so many.
Could someone give some input on the philosophy, theology, natural science, social science, and history core requirements(range of choices, etc), and the size/format of the econ business core courses.
Parent here: big fan of the Core. (Columbia and UChicago also have a strong Core curriculum, so its not only Jesuits who believe in broad – and deep – thinking.)
heck from a business perspective, why would you NOT want to learn about science, technology and other such things. (the business may just be in that industry.)
BC’s philosophy program is excellent, but importantly, teaches critical thinking skills.
I think my biggest hang-up with BC’s core is the very limited options to fulfill the history requirements (unless the website is not up to date). The other school we’re looking at has a language requirement and really pushes study abroad, which D very much prefers.
the list of approved courses fulfilling the History core (assuming that you don’t have AP credit.) is on the link below. T BC also has a wonderful study abroad program.
My D did not have AP credit, and ended up enjoying her history classes. But she also like philosophy so much, that she picked it up for a second major.
Dear 3rdXsTheCharm : If you choose to attend Boston College, the parent orientation track will include a presentation from Fr. Michael J. Himes where you will hear about the characteristics of a great university and more importantly for this discussion, the role of a great university. One vision presented by Himes is the creation of interesting conversation partners, individuals who are well-informed and capable of critical thought. This presentation is specifically NOT on YouTube, but other lectures from Himes are available.
Like bluebayou, the value of the core curriculum should not be ignored. While the liberal arts are under many challenges in four year education cycles, BC’s core stressed critical thinking. Both of my children completed their requirements through the Honors Program. Their individual experiences were radically different (my older will more naturally engage in debate while the younger student actually “acquired” the skill) however both gained a world of knowledge in classic literature, history, and more.
In order to complete the cultural diversity requirement, my younger (daughter), a STEM devotee, took a course in Latin American History and enjoyed the content, regional historical perspective, and presentation.
There are so many ways to complete the core curriculum that one should certainly NOT shy away from Boston College for a fear of being more worldly in your learning. While it seems daunting coming into the school, it is actually not as arduous as one might think and can ignite some true passion and great, well-informed, debate … which is one of the well held elements of a Jesuit education.
WRT to your daughter in CSOM, when our son went through CSOM, he arranged his schedule to take many of his non-core electives during his junior semester studying abroad. It worked out well for him and may for your D as well.
scottj, thanks for your response. We have another daughter who graduated from Loyola Maryland and we agree about the value of the core curriculum at a Jesuit institution. It just seemed like there were not a lot of options on how to satisfy the requirements at BC. But, I may just be projecting my personal experience with having to satisfy some dreadful gen eds (NOT at BC or a very good university for that matter).
jpm50, good idea about satisfying some electives while abroad.