A.B. Program General Education Course Guidelines

Mathematics Requirement
A course in college level mathematics is required to ensure that A.B. students are basically adept at understanding reality according to the methods of mathematical investigation. The objective of this course is that students be able to perform mathematical operations and understand that performance. That is, they should be able to participate in mathematical communication intelligently. From this course, students ought to learn the structures, principles and processes of mathematics.

Natural Science Requirement
The aim of this requirement is to acquaint the student with the basic terminology and methods of the natural sciences, so that they can understand and assess the sciences in ordinary life. Students are encouraged to take one introductory course in biology and one introductory course in physics or chemistry.

Art Appreciation Requirement
Students are expected to acquire an appreciation of the fine art that is part of our cultural heritage. Students are encouraged to take a course that includes a treatment of religious art.

World History Requirement
Students are expected to acquire a knowledge of world history as an aid to understanding the diverse elements that led up to, or prepared the way for, the coming of Christ. Hence, students are encouraged to take a course focusing upon the ancient world.

American History Requirement
Students are expected to acquire a knowledge of American history as an aid to understanding the unique character of American society and culture. Students are encouraged to take a course that focuses upon either the American founding or on the Civil War.

World Literature Requirement
Students are expected to acquire a knowledge of the literary classics that are part of our cultural heritage. Thus, students are encouraged to take a world literature course that focuses upon the classics of western civilization.

American Literature Requirement
Students are expected to acquire a knowledge of the literary classics that have had particular infl uence on American life and culture. Students are encouraged to take courses focusing upon American literary classics (e.g., Hawthorne, Twain, Hemingway).

Priestly Formation
Students aspiring to the priesthood participate in the programs of spiritual, human and apostolic formation as part of the A.B. program. These program goals are further defined by the goals of the following areas of formation as described in the Program of Priestly Formation, Fourth Edition, November 1992.