Core Curriculum
The University Core Curriculum's mission is to provide a shared intellectual foundation for every undergraduate student at LMU, and fosters a love of learning that students can carry into their future lives. Through the Core, students will:
- Develop fundamental skills in writing, speaking, and quantitative and analytical reasoning;
- Examine God, self, society, and the world using a variety of methods and perspectives;
- Become creative and critical thinkers;
- Become people for others.
Core Requirements
The Core Curriculum at Loyola Marymount University requires 13 Core courses, which are split into the three categories below, and one Engaged Learning Flag.
Please note these exceptions for Transfer students and students of the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.
Course Categories
Foundations
Required for year 1:
- First Year Seminar (FFYS)
- Rhetorical Arts (FRTA)
Recommended for years 1 and 2:
- Quantitative Reasoning (FQTR)
- Theological Inquiry (FTHI)
- Philosophical Inquiry (FPHI)
- Studies in American Diversity (FDIV)
Explorations
Recommended for years 2 and 3:
- Creative Experience (ECRE)
- Historical Analysis and Perspectives (EHAP)
- Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (ESTM)
- Understanding Human Behavior (EHBV)
Integrations
Recommended for years 3 and 4:
- Faith and Reason (IFTR)
- Interdisciplinary Connections (IINC)
- Ethics and Justice (IEJT)
Information for Students
Your first year at LMU
First Year Seminar
This signature course of the Core Curriculum is designed to introduce first year students to the spirit of academic excellence and intellectual rigor that guides the community of scholars at Loyola Marymount University. It is taken in either the fall or the spring of the first year at LMU.
Rhetorical Arts
Rhetorical Arts is the other required first-year course that you can take either in the fall or the spring semester of your first-year. It is to be taken during the semester that you are not taking First-Year Seminar. Courses in Rhetorical Arts foster articulate expression, critical thinking, and moral reflection, enabling students to engage in written and oral public debate both within and outside of the classroom. Core-sponsored Rhetorical Arts events frequently engage the larger LMU community.
Advising
- Students must complete Rhetorical Arts and First Year Seminar in their first academic year. It's recommended they take them during alternate semesters.
- Excluding First-Year Seminar and Rhetorical Arts, the order in which Core courses are completed is flexible.
- A single course may satisfy only one Core requirement, with the exception of the Engaged Learning flag which can be part of a course with another Core attribute.
- Students may satisfy major requirements with Core courses when the courses are approved for both the major and Core.
- A student must receive a “C-” or higher in a Core attributed course for it to count toward meeting a Core requirement, and a "D" or higher to satisfy the Engaged Learning Flag.
Exceptions
Transfer Students
Transfer students may have some Core requirements waived.
Seaver Students
Students enrolled in B.A. or B.S. degrees within the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering have different requirements than other students, are required to take:
- All "Foundations" courses excluding "Quantitative Reasoning".
- At least one "Explorations" course excluding "Nature of Science, Technology, and
Mathematics". - Both "Integrations" courses for "Faith and Reason" and "Ethics and Justice".
- At least one Engaged Learning Flag.
Information for Faculty
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Teaching in the Core
LMU's Core Curriculum is faculty designed and led–a key aspect that distinguishes the Core from the curricular pathways of other universities. Our colleagues work collaboratively to design, review, and enhance the defining characteristics and learning outcomes of all Core courses, ensuring that the University mission is reflected in all levels of the Core. We invite you to propose courses that align with your research interests and pedagogical values.
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Propose a Course
Thank you to all of you who have contributed to our university Core. Please continue to propose courses using the course approval guidelines, criteria, and forms.
Proposals must be submitted one year prior to the semester in which you plan to teach the course. Proposals are due on the Friday of the sixth week of both the fall and spring semesters. Thus, if you would like to teach a course in a fall semester, you must submit your proposal by week 6 of the fall semester prior to the planned course.
Additional Resources
Recent Updates
Core Celebration - Fall 2024
Library Instruction en Español
Instruction Design Librarian Darlene Aguilar accepted an invitation from Professor Mónica Cabrera (Modern Languages and Literatures) to conduct an instruction session in Spanish for the first time. We sat down with Darlene afterwards to talk about her preparation, execution, and reflection of the first session she (and possibly the library) conducted in Spanish.
First Year Seminar Engages Students Off the Bluff
This spring, as part of Professor Melody Rod-ari’s First Year Seminar course, "Who Owns Art?", students were able to visit the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. First Year Seminars are a signature course of the Core Curriculum, providing students with intimate, discussion-based courses.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Core
Current Core Curriculum Director Arnab Banerji sat down with past Core Directors Stella Oh and Anthony Perron to discuss the initial implementation of the Core, key attributes of the curriculum, and how this interdisciplinary education prepares students to ignite a brighter world.