Core Experience

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center

800.826.2281 x 8113

785.227.3380 x 8113

admissions@bethanylb.edu

The Core Experience

Bethany College believes that college is not just a stepping stone, but a cornerstone to life a student will lead. Here at Bethany, we believe in preparing a student not only to earn a degree, but a vocation in the world. From Quest courses designed to level the playing field in college, to Interdisciplinary courses, where we combine disciplines to engage students in complex issues and cross-reference fields outside their majors. These core courses are unique to Bethany, and a pillar in our liberal arts education, where our future graduates are prepped across subject matters, teaching styles, and more to not only succeed while on campus, but to represent a bright future of leaders, problem-solvers, and proud alumni of our historic institution.

What makes it unique?

Interdisciplinary Exploration: Dive into a world of interconnected knowledge, where you'll uncover links between diverse fields of study and develop a holistic understanding of the human experience.
Master the Fundamentals: Sharpen your critical thinking, communication, and information literacy skills, empowering you to analyze complex issues, express yourself with clarity and confidence, and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Values-Based Learning: Immerse yourself in a community that values community engagement, genuine hospitality, servant leadership, the pursuit of excellence, religious literacy, sustainable living, and unwavering integrity.
Your introduction to the Core program begins with Quest. Each student takes two Quest courses, the first provides a crash course on adjusting to college life. Freshmen learn essential skills like time management, problem-solving, and academic planning in small groups designed to foster community. Transfers learn about the resources they need to be successful at Bethany College. The second Quest course prepares students for post-graduation success with job interview training, resume and cover letter writing, and portfolio development. Quest ensures students thrive both during and after their time at Bethany.

Interdisciplinary courses lay the groundwork for academic success at Bethany College. These courses are popular with students because they foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to diverse careers. Interdisciplinary courses pair professors from different fields to explore a theme or world issue, broadening learning opportunities. In a world where many students change majors,

interdisciplinary courses help students explore potential career paths and connect with different fields of study.

Through the Core Experience, you will:

Emerge as a well-rounded individual: Ready to excel in your personal and professional life.
Build an unshakeable foundation for academic success: Prepared to conquer advanced coursework and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.
Become a leader and a changemaker: Equipped to make a lasting impact on your community and the world.

Join the Bethany College community and embark on a transformative adventure of learning, growth, and self-discovery!

The Core Experience

The Bethany College Core Experience is so much more than just a list of required classes. It is comprehensive program that combines interdisciplinary, academic, and co-curricular endeavors, to engage students in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and curiosity necessary to lead lives integrating faith, learning, and service; as well as supply a solid, shared base of experience for each student to build the rest of their academic experience upon. It is also possible to expand the Bethany Core Experience into our General Studies Major.

Interdisciplinary Experience
The Bethany College Core Experience is an interdisciplinary endeavor. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning styles as they discover and understand connections across disciplines. The interdisciplinary courses will address the following foundational competencies: Discovery and Integration; Communication; Critical, Analytical and Creative Reasoning; Information and Technical Literacy; and Religious Literacy. With this comprehensive approach to the competencies and their respective learning outcomes, students will be able to demonstrate growth in fundamental intellectual skills. Specifically this includes:

Discovery and Integration:

Students will demonstrate the ability to discover and apply connections among disciplines, use appropriate questioning and interactive skills, and collaborate successfully on projects.

Critical, Analytical, and Creative Reasoning:

Students will identify, understand and use qualitative and numerical arguments in everyday contexts, and analyze and reflect on issues from diverse cultural perspectives.

Information and Technical Literacy:

Students will demonstrate the ability to access and deliver information ethically and legally using technologies, and evaluate the credibility of various forms of information.

Communication:

Students will demonstrate the ability to speak and write effectively and thoughtfully with purpose, clarity and accuracy.

Religious Literacy:

Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the socio-historical significance of Christianity, critically engage texts and practices across distinct religious orientations, and articulate a responsibility for the well being of our neighbors.

General Studies Major

Mission Statement:

The mission of the General Studies program is to provide students with a diverse and flexible program of study that will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of career opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will develop career goals through the development of an academic plan in their chosen field of study. (Academic Plan worksheet)

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills through academic inquiry across disciplines. (Completion of the Core courses for the General Studies Major/Senior Project).

Students will develop a Senior Project that incorporates and synthesizes the knowledge gained through the completion of the areas of study in the General Studies Major. (Senior Project - ePortfolio artifact)