Reinvigorating the Christian Liberal Arts Core
When classical liberal arts disciplines are shaped and infused by the convictions and the character of a Christian worldview, they become channels through which we can guide students to more fully know and make known God, his creation in its complexity, humans as his image-bearers and his plans to redeem and renew the world for his glory.
New Core Curriculum
Drawing from HCU’s Ten Core Convictions, a faculty team has identified nine focal literacies that will enable every HCU graduate to excel. Dr. Emily Stelzer, professor of literature, was appointed to a new position as dean of the core curriculum. Core courses will be redeveloped around these focal literacies in order to launch the new core in Fall 2026.
“Persuasion and Poetics”
In support of the new core, a new two-volume anthology, “Persuasion and Poetics,” was prepared for use in freshman-level English courses. This reader includes topically arranged scripture, prose and poetry, with writing assignments aligned to help students engage reflectively with the mission and framework of the revised core curriculum. Volume 1 was piloted in Fall 2024, with all residential sections using the new reader in Spring 2025.
“Knowing God” Core Curriculum Focal Literacies
- Biblical literacy
- Theological proficiency
- Scientific literacy
- Quantitative literacy
- Aesthetic literacy
- Recognition of the dignity of humans as God’s image-bearers
- Engagement with the fabric of human interdependence (historical, cultural, social, literary, etc.)
- Flourishing by developing virtue and creativity to cultivate habits of service, leadership and love for others
- Christian wisdom through vision and practices of Christianity