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The Core Curriculum

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Have knowledge of self and of his or her cultural heritage, especially African American.

Have a focused understanding of current and historical issues in Black Studies (American, Caribbean and African).

Have an understanding of the foundations of Western culture.

Have the knowledge necessary for living and working in a multi-ethnic, multicultural, late 20th Century Western society.

Have specific knowledge in the areas of history, science, humanities, etc, as identified by the appropriate college departments, e.g., knowledge of specific literary, artistic, philosophical, and scientific works.

Have a fundamental understanding of the processes of scientific inquiry and appreciation of both the power of these processes and their limitations.

Have a sense of values, ethics, and morals as a way of viewing the world and of guiding and directing one's life.

Have an understanding of the complexity of moral questions and political issues.

Have a non-sexist, non-racist perspective on world issues.

Have the literary thinking skills and knowledge fundamental for life-long learning.

Have good research and writing skills.
The core curriculum is divided into seven areas. 1) Historical Studies; 2) The Natural World; 3) Arts and Language; 4) The Nature of Mathematics and its Application; 5) Philosophy, 6) Individual, Groups and Institutions; and 7) Vocation and Avocation.  Each course in the core curriculum directly addresses one of these areas.

Every Medgar Evers College student is required to be computer literate.  To demonstrate this, a student may pass a challenge examination or take one of the following computer courses depending on the student's major program of study:

• Liberal Arts, Psychology, Public Administration, Nursing majors - CL 101 Computer Literacy
• Computer Applications, Business, and Accounting majors - CIS 211 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems
• Biology, Science, Computer Science majors - CIS 151 Introduction to Computing

Students may be advised, depending on their major, to select a specific course within the Core Areas that have options.  Students should consult their academic advisors and their advisement worksheets for specific recommended courses in their majors.
                       
Since 1999 each academic department has had the option of selecting one three credit course within the core to waive for their students.  Excluded are all of the College-Wide requirements, except PHIL 101, Introduction to Logic and three concentrations of courses –“Historical Studies,” “The Natural World,” and “Mathematics and Its Applications.”  Students should consult with their academic advisors to determine the alternatives available to them.

COLLEGE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DEGREES (19-20 credits)

ADDITIONAL CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREES (11 credits)

Choose one of the following "Individuals, Groups, and Institutions" courses (3 credits):

Choose one of the following "Arts and Language" courses (2 credits):
                     

 Choose one of the following "Historical Studies" courses (3 credits):

Choose one of the following "The Natural World" courses (3 credits):
                       

Total Core credits: Associate degrees (11) + college-wide requirements (20) = 31 credits

ADDITIONAL CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE (29 credits)

Choose one of following "Historical Studies" courses (3 credits):

Choose "International Studies" option  a, b, or c (6 credits):
          

Choose one of the following "Mathematics and Its Applications" courses (4 credits):

Choose one of the following "The Natural World" courses (3 credits):**

Choose one of the following "The Natural World" courses (3 credits): **

* Course includes a laboratory
** Only six credits of science is required in the College-wide core for baccalaureate degrees

Choose one of the following "Individuals, Groups and Institutions" courses (3 credits):

Total Core Credits:
Baccalaureate Degrees (29 + college-wide requirements 20) = 49 credits
(See ** above)