Magis Core Curriculum
Humanistic education rooted in Jesuit ethos, guides Fairfield's commitment to "preparing young women and men for others" through a distinctive academic experience. Crucial to student success in academia and as future professionals in the workplace, the Magis Core Curriculum engages students to establish their own values and understanding of the world while emphasizing excellence in writing, critical reasoning, synthesis of solutions, communication, and an understanding of the "why" and "how" of associated human behaviors.
The Magis Core Curriculum is a discipline-based, tiered learning experience (Tier I: Orientation; Tier II: Exploration). Further, it requires students to experience interdisciplinary learning, be engaged with social justice issues, and undertake intensive writing both within the discipline and across the curriculum. The Magis Core provides a common experience for all undergraduates, one that is grounded in the humanistic tradition and is thus a hallmark of a Fairfield education.
Tier I: Orientation
The Orientation Tier requires seven courses (ideally completed in the first two years of undergraduate study). Students will not use curricular credits (e.g., transfer or AP credits) to be exempt from elements of Tier 1, to ensure that all students have a common Orientation experience.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English | ||
| ENGL 1001 | Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| History | ||
| Select one HIST 1000-level course | 3 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one MATH 1000- or 2000-level course, based on placement 1 | 3 | |
| Modern or Classical Language | ||
| Select one language course based on placement 2 | 3 | |
| Philosophy | ||
| PHIL 1101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Religious Studies | ||
| Select one RLST 1000-level course | 3 | |
| Modern/Classical Language or Mathematics | ||
| Select one additional course in Modern/Classical Languages or Mathematics 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
MATH 1011 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
- 2
If starting a new language, a placement exam is not necessary.
- 3
Placement is based on the initial course taken to fulfill Modern/Classical Languages or Mathematics.
Tier II: Exploration
The Exploration Tier requires eight courses, to be completed throughout four years of undergraduate study. Each department listed below determines which of its courses fulfill the Tier II Exploration requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral and Social Sciences | ||
| Select two courses from the following fields: | 6 | |
Communication | ||
Economics | ||
Politics | ||
Psychology (except PSYC 2610- Behavioral Neuroscience) | ||
| History, Philosophy, Religious Studies | ||
| Select two 2000- or 3000-level courses from two different disciplines | 6 | |
| Literature | ||
| Select one course from the following fields: | 3 | |
Classics | ||
English | ||
Modern Languages and Literatures | ||
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Select two courses from the following fields: | 6 | |
| Biological Anthropology | ||
| Biomedical Anthropology | ||
Biology | ||
Chemistry and Biochemistry | ||
Physics | ||
| PSYC 2610 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | ||
| Select one 1000-level course from the following fields in Visual and Performing Arts: | 3 | |
Art History and Visual Culture | ||
Film, Television, and Media Arts | ||
Music | ||
Studio Art | ||
Theatre | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Signature Elements
The Signature Elements requirements include seven courses, which may be covered by Orientation, Exploration, and major courses. Courses approved for these Signature Elements will be appropriately noted in the online registration system.
Interdisciplinary
Select either one designated team-taught course, one cluster course, or one individually taught course. All courses fall within the Orientation and Exploration areas. (Attribute: MSID)
Social Justice
Select one course providing an introduction to social justice (Attribute: MSJ1), one second-level social justice course (Attribute: MSJ2), and one social justice course with a focus on race broadly construed, studied intersectionally with gender and class (Attribute: MSJR). The MSJ1 course must be fulfilled within the Orientation and Exploration tiers. For the MSJ2 and MSJR courses, at least one of them must be fulfilled within the Orientation and Exploration tiers. The remaining course may be fulfilled either within the Orientation and Exploration tiers OR within a major.
Writing Across the Curriculum and Writing in the Discipline
Select two courses within the Orientation and Exploration areas, plus one additional course fulfilled within either the Orientation and Exploration tiers (Writing Across the Curriculum, Attribute: MWAC) or within a Major (Writing In the Discipline, Attribute: MWID).