Build Skills and Your Undergraduate Degree with Core Courses
The undergraduate degree experience at Doane is an immersive, collaborative environment, a community of students, faculty, and staff, that motivates students to take responsibility for their ongoing academic and personal growth.
The Doane Core Pathway serves as a catalyst for students to develop crucial intellectual skills, build connections of knowledge across various disciplines, serve and to lead at all levels of citizenship, communicate effectively, use information wisely and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
A complete list of the Undergraduate Core at Doane University can be located in the catalog.
Community and Identity (3 credits)
History of the United States I (HIS 205)
A survey of the American colonial and U.S. national experience prior to 1877. This course is designed for the general student with emphasis on politics and society. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate knowledge of the major themes and chronological periods of American history. They will also demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical method, and the role of interpretation and perspective in constructing historical narratives.
History of the United States II (HIS 206)
A survey of the U.S. national experience since 1865. This course is designed for the general student with emphasis on politics and society. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate knowledge of the major themes and chronological periods of American history. They will also demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical method, and the role of interpretation and perspective in constructing historical narratives.
American Politics (PSI 101)
An analysis of American political institutions and behavior.
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 117)
An introduction to the systematic study of human cognition, emotion, and behavior with an emphasis on the scientific method. Fundamentals of behavior, learning, conditioning, development, cognitive processes, perception, emotion, personality, and psychopathology are among the content areas studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method for the study of human nature. Students successfully completing the course will demonstrate a general understanding of the knowledge established in these areas, as well as the methods used by psychologists to acquire that knowledge.
Mathematical Reasoning (3 credits)
Precalculus: College Algebra with Trigonometry (MTH 125)
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or permission. A study of topics in algebra and trigonometry that are used in calculus. Topics include functions, advanced algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, and trigonometry. Students who successfully complete this course will have the mathematics background needed to study calculus.
Rhetorical Communication (3 credits)
English Composition I: The Writing Seminar (ENG 101)
Prerequisite: The student must demonstrate adequate basic skills before enrolling in ENG 101 or ACT English score of 19. A writing intensive course designed to enhance the quality of critical thinking and the knowledge of writing. A variety of texts are interpreted, and critical responses are written using one or more literary forms. The student increases breadth and depth of critical thinking and knowledge of writing.
English Composition II: Writing in Context (ENG 102)
This course will engage students in the process of writing as a purposeful
interaction with diverse audiences in distinct settings. Through analysis
and practice, students will learn to approach writing as a rhetorical
transaction and thus build a foundation of principles and techniques that
enable them to serve the needs and values of local and global users in the
contemporary public space. They will learn to construct cogent stances
based on careful inquiry. They will learn to gather technical information
about complicated subjects and translate it into usable forms for busy
decision makers. Along the way, they will identify and apply the
theoretical underpinnings of effective written argument, thus preparing
them to operate in a wide range of fields where competency is defined by
accuracy, efficiency, and situational awareness. This rhetorical knowledge
promotes empathy, connection, and thus equity between writers and their
readers.
Global and Cultural Context (3 credits)
Introduction to Bible (EIS 105)
This course is a one-semester survey of biblical literature. Students will become familiar with the contents of the Bible; understand its development and transmission; and recognize its significance for different peoples, cultures, and religious traditions.
Living Religions (EIS 115)
This course is an introduction to the lived practices, history, and thought of some of the major religious traditions of our world. Students will be introduced to and develop religious literacy.
Scientific Perspectives (3 credits)
Introductory Astronomy (AST-103)
A study of the structure and evolution of the universe with emphasis on the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and planetary systems.
Human Creativity (3 credits)
Two-Dimensional Design (ART 107)
A course which focuses on the fundamentals of visual composition and design theory. Students work in various media, exploring the visual potential of line, color, texture, pattern, light and shadow, and space. Students will be able to apply the principles and elements of design, to understand how these principles and elements interact, and to analyze and evaluate the quality of design and form.
Three-Dimensional Design (ART 110)
Study of three-dimensional design using various materials such as paper, wire, plaster, tape, clay, and cardboard. Students will be able to construct three-dimensional sculptures from various materials using the principles and elements of design.
Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG 285)
This course will engage students in the craft of storytelling. They will
practice both fiction and creative nonfiction, learning to apply techniques
associated with each genre for the benefit of writing in both genres. They
will also identify and evaluate important distinctions between the two,
notably the nonfiction writer’s burden of accuracy and authenticity.
Deliberate focus on the acquisition and value of narrative knowledge will
enable students to articulate how stories work and why this knowledge
matters to life and work beyond the page.
In Search of Meaning and Values (3 credits)
Introduction to Literary Fiction (ENG 237)
This course introduces students to a range of fictional forms and narrative
styles. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
identify major components of fiction and analyze their functions to reveal
the texts’ explicit and implicit meanings. Moreover, students will be able
to describe several historical developments in the short and long forms of
fiction. Finally, students will be able to describe how fiction operates in
the investigation and expression of the human search for meaning and values.
Students may select any course in each Foundational Area of Knowledge to fulfill the components of the undergraduate core.
Sophomore Year
Fall
Human Creativity
Spring
Global & Cultural Context
Junior Year
Fall
Community & Identity
Spring
Mathematical Reasoning
Senior Year
Fall
Rhetorical Communications
Spring
In Search of Meaning and Values
Total Credits:
18/33 Credits Completed
Community and Identity (3 credits)
History of the United States I (HIS 205)
A survey of the American colonial and U.S. national experience prior to 1877. This course is designed for the general student with emphasis on politics and society. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate knowledge of the major themes and chronological periods of American history. They will also demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical method, and the role of interpretation and perspective in constructing historical narratives.
History of the United States II (HIS 206)
A survey of the U.S. national experience since 1865. This course is designed for the general student with emphasis on politics and society. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate knowledge of the major themes and chronological periods of American history. They will also demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical method, and the role of interpretation and perspective in constructing historical narratives.
American Politics (PSI 101)
An analysis of American political institutions and behavior.
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 117)
An introduction to the systematic study of human cognition, emotion, and behavior with an emphasis on the scientific method. Fundamentals of behavior, learning, conditioning, development, cognitive processes, perception, emotion, personality, and psychopathology are among the content areas studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method for the study of human nature. Students successfully completing the course will demonstrate a general understanding of the knowledge established in these areas, as well as the methods used by psychologists to acquire that knowledge.
Mathematical Reasoning (3 credits)
Precalculus: College Algebra with Trigonometry (MTH 125)
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or permission. A study of topics in algebra and trigonometry that are used in calculus. Topics include functions, advanced algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, and trigonometry. Students who successfully complete this course will have the mathematics background needed to study calculus.
Rhetorical Communication (3 credits)
English Composition I: The Writing Seminar (ENG 101)
Prerequisite: The student must demonstrate adequate basic skills before enrolling in ENG 101 or ACT English score of 19. A writing intensive course designed to enhance the quality of critical thinking and the knowledge of writing. A variety of texts are interpreted, and critical responses are written using one or more literary forms. The student increases breadth and depth of critical thinking and knowledge of writing.
English Composition II: Writing in Context (ENG 102)
This course will engage students in the process of writing as a purposeful
interaction with diverse audiences in distinct settings. Through analysis
and practice, students will learn to approach writing as a rhetorical
transaction and thus build a foundation of principles and techniques that
enable them to serve the needs and values of local and global users in the
contemporary public space. They will learn to construct cogent stances
based on careful inquiry. They will learn to gather technical information
about complicated subjects and translate it into usable forms for busy
decision makers. Along the way, they will identify and apply the
theoretical underpinnings of effective written argument, thus preparing
them to operate in a wide range of fields where competency is defined by
accuracy, efficiency, and situational awareness. This rhetorical knowledge
promotes empathy, connection, and thus equity between writers and their
readers.
Global and Cultural Context (3 credits)
Introduction to Bible (EIS 105)
This course is a one-semester survey of biblical literature. Students will become familiar with the contents of the Bible; understand its development and transmission; and recognize its significance for different peoples, cultures, and religious traditions.
Living Religions (EIS 115)
This course is an introduction to the lived practices, history, and thought of some of the major religious traditions of our world. Students will be introduced to and develop religious literacy.
Scientific Perspectives (3 credits)
Introductory Astronomy (AST-103)
A study of the structure and evolution of the universe with emphasis on the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and planetary systems.
Human Creativity (3 credits)
Two-Dimensional Design (ART 107)
A course which focuses on the fundamentals of visual composition and design theory. Students work in various media, exploring the visual potential of line, color, texture, pattern, light and shadow, and space. Students will be able to apply the principles and elements of design, to understand how these principles and elements interact, and to analyze and evaluate the quality of design and form.
Three-Dimensional Design (ART 110)
Study of three-dimensional design using various materials such as paper, wire, plaster, tape, clay, and cardboard. Students will be able to construct three-dimensional sculptures from various materials using the principles and elements of design.
Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG 285)
This course will engage students in the craft of storytelling. They will
practice both fiction and creative nonfiction, learning to apply techniques
associated with each genre for the benefit of writing in both genres. They
will also identify and evaluate important distinctions between the two,
notably the nonfiction writer’s burden of accuracy and authenticity.
Deliberate focus on the acquisition and value of narrative knowledge will
enable students to articulate how stories work and why this knowledge
matters to life and work beyond the page.
In Search of Meaning and Values (3 credits)
Introduction to Literary Fiction (ENG 237)
This course introduces students to a range of fictional forms and narrative
styles. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
identify major components of fiction and analyze their functions to reveal
the texts’ explicit and implicit meanings. Moreover, students will be able
to describe several historical developments in the short and long forms of
fiction. Finally, students will be able to describe how fiction operates in
the investigation and expression of the human search for meaning and values.
Students may select any course in each Foundational Area of Knowledge to fulfill the components of the undergraduate core.
Sophomore Year
Fall
Human Creativity
Spring
Global & Cultural Context
Junior Year
Fall
Community & Identity
Spring
Mathematical Reasoning
Senior Year
Fall
Rhetorical Communications
Spring
In Search of Meaning and Values
Total Credits:
18/33 Credits Completed