Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation Funds New Core

The New York-based Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation has awarded a $287,000 grant to Union in support of the new core curriculum.

The grant will be used during the transition period between phasing out the current core and implementing the new one. Funds will be used to support such items as temporary faculty salaries, student assistant stipends, guest lecturers, research trips, and administrative support.

"The new core curriculum at Union represents a complete break from the outmoded models of liberal learning where professors dispense information," said Union President David Joyce. "It is a transition toward a more interrelated, interdisciplinary, integrated approach to creating an environment where student learning is modeled, facilitated and enhanced."

The first sections of the new core will be offered in the fall 2001 semester, which begins August 28. "Critical Dialogues" will examine history, literature, philosophy, religion, and the fine arts simultaneously to help students make learning connections - the past with the present, the local with the global, the ancient with the modern. Tied to the mission of the College, the course aims at nurturing intellectual, moral and spiritual development in students.

Unique to Union's core is recognition of Union's connection to Appalachia, and the interdisciplinary social and behavioral sciences sequence. Added to these opportunities is a series of classes called "Life Choices," which will explore the information necessary to make healthy life choices and help students develop a personal wellness program.

The Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation has supported Union College for several years, providing scholarships for worthy students and funding faculty development programs.

September 28, 2001

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