General Description
The central goal of every Inquiry course is to provide students with an understanding of the methods used to discover and create the factual and theoretical knowledge of the discipline. Each course will examine particular issues in the discipline while exploring its methodological and theoretical foundations.
Inquiry courses, for example, might devote some time to examining the history of the discipline and the ways in which its truths or assumptions have changed over time. They might focus on major paradigm shifts or on contested ethical and interpretive issues within the discipline.
Inquiry courses will build on the critical thinking and communication skills developed in other core courses, particularly those of the University Seminar and College Writing courses. By enhancing students' understanding of the process of academic inquiry, they will enrich students' experience of the core Research and Creative Experience.
Inquiry courses are encouraged to incorporate non-traditional teaching methods, including small group learning activities and guided research projects.
Criteria
A substantial proportion of the course will be devoted to exploring ways in which the discipline creates knowledge.
The course must include at least one major learning activity based on methods of inquiry appropriate to the discipline.
Learning Outcomes
Inquiry courses are intended to improve students'
- Understanding of disciplinary methods, including the kinds of questions asked in the discipline and the methods that practitioners use to explore those questions
- Understanding of how ideas and methods in the discipline have developed or changed
- Critical thinking and written or oral communication skills
- Proficiency in analyzing information from different viewpoints
Questions? Contact members of the steering committee.
