The undergraduate curriculum has two primary components: the general education core grounded in the liberal arts and the major program of study. These components are enhanced by electives, minors, and additional majors.

General Education Core

he general education core meets three major goals:
(1) it is derived from the university mission;
(2) it is sequenced;
and (3) it has an integrative approach that shows the connections among the various academic disciplines.
It is the mission of the university to provide students "with opportunities to become more capable in thought, judgment, communication, appreciation, and action; to enhance their imaginations, sensibilities, and creative talents; to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Christian faith and the role of religion in society; to develop a respect for rationality and a tolerance for ambiguity; and to use the intellect in the process of discovery and in the synthesis of knowledge." Eight learning goals have been defined: critical thinking, historical consciousness, scientific method for the natural sciences, arts appreciation, cross - cultural understanding and global awareness, numerical literacy, social inquiry, and values orientation.

Core Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Students

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves the process of questioning, reflecting, analyzing, and synthesizing. The skills associated with critical thinking emphasize the roles of speaker and audience in using rational means to influence others through written and oral modes of communication. Subjects oriented toward the development of critical thinking include but are not limited to courses in English, speech, communication, and philosophy.

Students seeking a baccalaureate degree will satisfy this component of the core by completing the following courses in English, communication, and philosophy:
ENGL-101 English Composition (with a grade of C or above)

One of the following communication courses (to be determined by the school or college):
COMM-100 Public Speaking
COMM-200 Business and Professional Communication
COMM-201 Classroom Communication

A philosophy course (to be determined by the school or college)

Historical Consciousness

Historical consciousness encompasses an awareness of the significance of the past as a fundamental component of human understanding. It is built upon a concrete knowledge of the ideas, events, and institutions that have provided the context for all human behavior and have shaped both our past and our present.

Students seeking a baccalaureate degree will satisfy the historical consciousness component of the core through:

HIST-102/202 World History since 1700 (HIST-102 sections are limited to freshmen only).

Scientific Method for the Natural Sciences

Scientific method for the natural sciences includes the principles and processes pertaining to systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and experimentation in order to determine the nature and principles of the physical world.
Students seeking a baccalaureate degree may satisfy this component of the core by taking a course from one of the following natural science disciplines (please check to make sure that any prerequisites have been satisfied):

Biology:
BIOL-100 Elements of Biology
BIOL-101 Nutrition
BIOL-103 Principles of Human Anatomy
BIOL-104 Principles of Human Physiology
BIOL-130 Monkeys, Apes, and Humans
BIOL-131 Explorations in Biology
BIOL-155 General Biology I: Diversity of Life
BIOL-200 Conservation
BIOL-210 Human Biological Variation
BIOL-345 Human Evolution

Chemistry:
CHEM-100 Elements of Chemistry and Physics
CHEM-103 Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM-104 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
CHEM-150 General Chemistry I
CHEM-210 Environmental Problems
Earth-Space Sciences:
ESCI-100 Elements of Earth-Space Sciences
ESCI-200 Conservation
ESCI-202 Physical Geography
ESCI-205 Physical Geology
ESCI-206 Historical Geology
ESCI-207 Astronomy
ESCI-210 Environmental Problems
ESCI-301 Meteorology: Weather and Climate
ESCI-310 Oceanography
ESCI-402 Minerals and Rocks
ESCI-403 Paleontology: Fossils
ESCI-410 Hydrogeology
ESCI-420 Energy Resources
ESCI-430 Topics in Earth-Space Sciences

Physics:
PHYS-100 Elements of Chemistry and Physics
PHYS-103 Introduction to Physics
PHYS-150/155 General Physics I and Lab (algebra based)
PHYS-153/155 General Physics I and Lab (calculus based)
PHYS-207 Astronomy

Arts Appreciation

Arts appreciation implies sufficient critical judgment to see the value and to enjoy the expressiveness of creative work, which uniquely conveys universal human feelings. Expressions of art include but are not limited to painting, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, drama, dance, and performance.

Students seeking a baccalaureate degree should satisfy the arts appreciation component of the core through study in the following areas:

ENGL-102 Western World Literature and Composition. (ENGL-180 Honors English may be taken in place of ENGL-102. See the Honors College section of this catalog.)

Fine arts: Four hours from among art, music, theatre; must include a lecture/theory class and an applied component.

Lecture/theory courses:
ART-110 lntroduction to the Visual Arts
MUS-l00 Music Fundamentals
MUS-101 lntroduction to Music Theory
MUS-110 Introduction to Music
MUS-112 Introduction to Jazz
MUS-121 Elementary Theory
MUS-130 Survey of Music Literature
MUS-420 Special Topics in Music
THE-110 Introduction to Theatre
THE-121 Introduction to Theatre Design
THE-241 Play Analysis
THE-340 Theatre History I
THE-341 Theatre History II

Applied courses:
ART-100 Art Experience
ART-120 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design
ART-130 Fundamentals of Drawing
ART-210 Intaglio Printmaking
ART-220 Ceramics-Hand Building
ART-230 Ceramics-The Potter's Wheel
ART-260 Photography I
ART-335 Jewelry and Metalwork
ART-340 Fiber Arts
MUS-113 Voice Class
MUS-114 Guitar Class I
MUS-115 Guitar Class II
MUS-116 Piano Class I
MUS-117 Piano Class II
MUS-166 Women's Chorus
MUS-174 African Drum Ensemble
MUS-175 Percussion Ensemble
MUS-176 Beginning Handbell Ensemble
THE-120 Stagecraft
THE-131 Acting I
THE-134 Theatrical Makeup
THE-150 Theatre Production

The following music courses that require auditions also fulfill the applied fine arts requirement: private music lessons, MUS-160 Concert Choir, MUS-161 Concert Band, MUS-162 Pep Band, MUS-163 Jazz Hounds "Big Band," MUS-164 Concert Orchestra, MUS-165 Crimson Express, and MUS-167 Musical/Opera Production.
Other art, music, and theatre courses may fulfill the fine arts applied requirement. Consult the appropriate department for details.

Cross-Cultural Understanding/Global Awareness

Cross-cultural understanding implies the ability to appreciate another culture in its own right and in multiple dimensions of its complexity, including social organization, social and political expression, individual behavior, values, religion, aesthetics, language and communication, physical environment, economy, material culture, history, dynamics of change, and extent of participation in the global community. Global awareness represents the knowledge of physical, political, and cultural geography; cross-cultural understanding refers more specifically to the structure and dynamics of cultures and to the interactions among them.

Students seeking a baccalaureate degree will satisfy this component of the core through:

Competency in a modern foreign language (refer to curriculum guides for level of competency required) or a semester in residence outside the United States

A cross-cultural course from:
ANTH-100 Cultural Anthropology
ANTH-200 Global Problems
ANTH-210 The Eskimo World
EDUC-290 Diverse Learner/Multicultural Education
ESCI-204 Human Geography
HIST-280 Honors: Cross-Cultural History Seminar
HIST-331 History of Latin America
HIST-353 The African Experience
HIST-419 Legacies of Modern Colonialism
HIST-442 Modern East Asia
HIST-471 Women of Asia
IREL-204 World Geography
IREL-335 Comparative Politics
MUS-210 Music in World Culture
SOC-340 Chinese Culture and Society
Recommended cross-cultural options*
* Students in the College of Arts and Sciences must take one of the courses listed above; students in other schools should refer to the curriculum guides for information about recommended cross-cultural options.

Numerical Literacy

Numerical literacy is the ability to participate in abstract logical reasoning and problem-solving through the manipulation of symbolic systems. Students seeking a baccalaureate degree may satisfy the mathematics requirement by completion of:

A mathematics course from:
MATH-108 Discovery in Mathematics
MATH-150 Finite Mathematics
MATH-180 College Algebra and Trigonometry
MATH- l90 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH-191 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
MATH- 210 Elementary Teachers' Mathematics II
Any other mathematics course above MATH-210

Social Inquiry

Social inquiry refers to the systematic and disciplined study of contemporary society in the United States. Systematic and disciplined study includes both scientific and humanistic approaches to the investigation of individuals and groups and their interrelations in society.
Students seeking a baccalaureate degree will fulfill this requirement by taking:

A social inquiry course from:
COMM-431 Gender and Communication
PSCI-101 American National Government
PSCI-105 State and Local Government
PSCI-323 Public Administration
PSCI-356 Political Theory
PSCI-444 Constitutional Law I: Powers of Government
PSCI-445 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties
PSY-330 Psychology of Gender
SOC-101 Principles of Sociology
SOC-103 Social Problems
SOC-210 Social Psychology
SOC-220 Race and Ethnic Relations
SOC-430 Special Topics: Social Inequality
SOCS-200 Honors: Exploring Human Complexity

Values Orientation and Judaic-Christian Traditions Requirement

Moral formation begins with an orientation to moral values, which involves helping students clarify and broaden their own sense of those things in the world that should be valued. Students are expected to develop, through the stimulation of the moral imagination and the recognition of moral issues, a sensitivity to values issues. Once students develop an awareness and sensitivity to values issues, they are shown ways to act responsibly on their convictions. Students in the schools of Business and Nursing take PHIL-120 Ethics as a part of their requirements. All professional practice areas address ethical issues as part of their programs.
In fulfilling its mission to help students gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Christian faith and the role of religion in society, the university requires all students to take one course in the Judaic-Christian Traditions. This requirement also meets the learning goals of critical thinking and historical consciousness, while providing opportunities for social inquiry and moral formation with respect to religious traditions and practices.
Students seeking any undergraduate degree may satisfy the Judaic-Christian Traditions requirement by successfully completing:

A Judaic-Christian religion course from:
REL-100 Christianity
REL-101 Judaism
REL-200 Old Testament Life and Literature
REL-210 New Testament Life and Literature
REL-220 Christian Theology
REL-250 History of Christianity I
REL-260 History of Christianity II
REL-310 Christian Ethics
REL-330 Jesus
REL-390 Honors Religion

Additional General Education Requirements

Computer Literaty

Students at the University of Indianapolis are required to take at least one of the following computer courses to demonstrate computer literacy. (Consult curriculum guides for specific program requirements.)
ART-101 Introduction to Computers for Artists
COMM-101 Computer Applications in Communication
COMP-150 Microcomputer Applications
CSCI-130 Microcomputer Applications
EDUC-220 Computer Applications in Education
MUS-125 Microcomputer Applications in Music
Any other three-hour COMP, CIS, or CSCI course

Students entering the university with a strong background in computers may be able to demonstrate computer literacy by taking one of the examinations listed in the Credit by Examination brochure available in the Office of the Registrar. Specific academic program requirements must still be met.

New Student Experience

New Student Experience consists of a series of general programs to present pertinent academic and developmental information to new students at the University of Indianapolis in their first semester of enrollment. New Student Experience is a program set up to meet student needs and help them to develop skills and relationships that will serve them well as they pursue their degree and career goals. Students will meet the New Student Experience requirement by taking the freshman orientation or seminar in their respective major areas or by taking INTD-101 New Student Experience (for those students who are undecided about their majors or whose academic areas do not offer an orientation course).

Sequencing Requirements of Core

The general education core is designed to provide students with an integrative approach to the eight learning goals that form its basis. In order to achieve these goals, students are expected to follow the sequences in the curriculum guides. In all areas in which students select from menus of courses, it is expected that freshmen and sophomores will take 100- and 200-level courses and juniors and seniors will take 300- and 400-level courses.

Majors and Minors

Major. A major is a program of study composed of at least 24 hours in one academic discipline. A grade of C- or higher is required in those major courses designated on the curriculum guide and in the catalog. (Some schools and departments have established grade requirements of C or above for some or all courses in the major. Specific grade requirements are noted on the curriculum guides and in the school or departmental sections of the catalog. Students should consult these documents for both course and grade requirements.) A student may complete more than one major and in certain cases may even use some of the same courses for each major, as long as each major has at least 24 discrete hours.

Minor. A minor is composed of at least 18 hours of course work in one academic discipline or an approved combination of course work in more than one discipline. (See Asian studies interdisciplinary minor outlined in the introductory statement of the College of Arts and Sciences portion of the catalog.) A grade of C- or above is required in all courses in the minor.
Concentration. A concentration is a group of 12 to 15 hours of course work within an academic major or minor focusing on a specialized subject. Concentrations are available in a number of areas and are described in the undergraduate catalog in the section devoted to the major or minor. A grade of C- or above is required in all courses in a concentration.
A student must have at least one of the majors listed on the following pages in order to complete a degree at the University of Indianapolis. Although the university does not require a minor or concentration for graduation, some major programs are designed with required minors or concentrations. Students are encouraged to have additional majors, minors, and concentrations beyond those required.

Length of Program

The baccalaureate degree programs listed below can be completed in four years if the student:
1. declares the major during the first semester of enrollment,
2. successfully completes 31-34 hours per year, and
3. fulfills all degree requirements, including any specific requirements for the program, such as music ensembles and practical training.

Most majors can be completed in four years even though the student declares the major his or her sophomore year, but students should be aware that a delay in declaring one's major might require additional coursework. Students who change majors after initial enrollment should consult with the key advisor in the academic unit offering the major to determine the amount of time it will take to complete the new degree program.