Foundations of Inquiry & Intellectual Discovery Requirements
Foundations of Inquiry & Intellectual Discovery Requirements
The CMU curriculum includes Foundations of Inquiry courses, Intellectual Discovery courses, and courses in the majors. Through these courses, students have the opportunity to work toward mastery of the University Learning Principles of Communication, Curiosity, and Community.
Foundations of Inquiry courses provide a foundation of knowledge and skills that provide the groundwork for an educational experience that will empower students within a culture of engaged learning. Foundations of Inquiry is the CMU general education program.
Courses in the Intellectual Discovery category are selected as part of a customized pathway that aligns with the student’s unique goals, whether to add breadth, build skills, or enhance their primary field.
The specialized courses in the academic majors are the final component of the curriculum, equipping students with in-depth knowledge and skills within their academic discipline. Some majors also stipulate Additional Requirements for the Major, which are listed on the Program of Study page for that major.
Guidelines for Foundations of Inquiry:
Foundations of Inquiry requirements for all Baccalaureate degrees and the Associate of Arts (AA) total 34-36 credit hours. For the Associate of Science (AS) degree the Foundations of Inquiry requirements total 31-33 hours. The Associate of Applied Sciences (Physical Therapist Assistant) (AAS(PTA)) requires 16 hours of Foundations of Inquiry courses. Note: Prerequisite coursework may increase the total hours.
Only 100- and 200-level courses may be used to fulfill Foundations of Inquiry requirements.
Course requirements in a major may be fulfilled in the Foundations of Inquiry curriculum. A single course may fulfill requirements in Foundations of Inquiry, as well as the major and/or minor. Likewise, a single course may fulfill requirements in Intellectual Discovery and the major and/or minor. The hours earned may only be counted once. Courses fulfilling requirements of Foundations of Inquiry may not be used to fulfill requirements for Intellectual Discovery.
Some degree programs designate course(s) students must take to fulfill some of the requirements in the Foundations of Inquiry curriculum. If no such designation exists, students must take courses from the topic areas defined below.
Learning Outcomes met by each course will be listed on the course syllabus.
CORE 42 courses will count toward completion of the corresponding CORE 42 Knowledge Area at CMU even if CMU does not offer the equivalent course.
Out-of-state courses equivalent to CORE 42 approved courses may also fulfill course requirements. Courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by Division Chairs, or the Provost, or the Registrar.
Faculty are encouraged to consult the Advising Manual available on myCMU>Faculty-Staff Help>Resources and Materials.
Courses in the Foundations of Inquiry and Intellectual Discovery categories can be fulfilled by Core 42 coursework and may be similar to General Education requirements at some universities. See "CORE42 Transfer Curriculum" below.
The Central Methodist University Learning Outcomes are:
1. Students will communicate effectively.
2. Students will demonstrate curiosity.
3. Students will engage in their community.