Academics

EXP@CSC

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does EXP@CSC begin?
2. If I am already a C-SC student, do my graduation requirements change?
3. How is the Common Experience different from the previous general education program?
4. Do I have to take the Common Core courses?
5. How will I benefit from the new curriculum?
6. What is experiential programming?
7. Do I have to participate in these experiential courses?
8. Do I have to travel during the three-week short term?
9. Is the three-week short term optional?
10. Will the three-week classes cost more?
11. What are some of the on-campus, three-week classes?
12. Can every student take any three-week course?
13. How do I sign up for a three-week course?
14. Will I have two sets of finals each semester?
15. Are we keeping all the majors?
16. What is happening in the next two phases of EXP@CSC?

1. The curriculum will roll out in three phases, with the first one beginning in Fall 2008. The most noticeable change will be in the academic calendar. We will have the same 15-week semesters, but all students will register for both a 12-week session (when students take 3 to 4 classes; 9-14 credits) and a 3-week session (when students take one in-depth class or participate in an experiential program; 3-4 credits). The first phase also will replace general education requirements with the Common Experience and offer additional experiential opportunities in every major.

2. No. You graduate based on the catalog-published requirements for the semester you began as a Culver-Stockton student.

3. The Common Experience requires the same courses across all majors. By requiring the same core courses, exploration courses and a multidisciplinary seminar of all students, we are making the curriculum more flexible. Students will find it simpler to change majors or to complete a double major. Students who enter Culver-Stockton without declaring a major will also receive assistance in exploring their academic options through the program.

4. The Common Core applies to all new C-SC students as of Fall 2008. Returning students will continue to complete the graduation requirements outlined in the catalog for their first semester at Culver-Stockton College.

5. You will immediately have the opportunity to participate in the innovative experiential programming during the three-week short term, with expanded study abroad courses and other travel opportunities, as well as internships and other real-world experience.

6. Depending on your major, you will be offered courses that provide hands-on experience in your field, such as internships, clinical rotation, travel opportunities, or other experience.

7. Every incoming student will need to acquire some hands-on experience as part of his or her graduation requirements. Returning students will have opportunities to take advantage of these new experiences.

8. No. There will be many intensive course options on campus as well. Students may take 3 or 4 credits during the three-week session – one 3- or 4-credit course and, possibly, a 1-credit activity course.

9. No. It is built into the usual 15-week semester and every student must enroll in both the 12-week long term and the 3-week short term each semester.

10. Some courses will have additional fees related to travel and expenses, but you will know those costs at the time your register for classes. On-campus options are included in tuition.

11. Some will be intensive versions of required courses. Other options currently scheduled for 2008-09 include (click here for more):

• "Art Experience"— focusing on creativity, idea development, and exploration of the elements of art and principles of design. Students will work with digital media and traditional studio techniques to develop unique works of art.
• "Crime in American History"— examining significant crimes and criminals in American history and their impact on social conflict.
• "Institutions of U.S. Government"— dealing with the first 100 days of the new president: What will be on the agenda? What can be accomplished?
• "Survey of Music Literature"— familiarizing students with the major periods, composers, and styles of classical music.
• "Legal Research and Writing"— preparing pre-law students for entrance and success in law school.
• "Reacting to the Past through Simulation"— studying major historical events using simulations.
• and more ...

12. As with all courses, some will require prerequisites.

13. Registration for short-term courses will occur at the same time as registration for the 12-week courses each semester.

14. Not necessarily. There will be the usual finals after the 12-week long term; however, faculty will individually decide how (or whether) to conduct finals for the short term.

15. Changing the number of majors is not the focus of EXP@CSC; although it looks like a couple of majors may change as a result. For example, there will be two new majors next fall: political science and biological chemistry. No major programs have been dropped.

16. In Fall 2009, we will offer multidisciplinary majors and, for students who are interested, "design-your-own" majors. By Fall 2010, we will have enhanced our foreign language requirements.