General Education at Esperanza College

General Education (GE) provides a solid skill foundation for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Many of the basic abilities a student will need to succeed in any area of study (and in life!) are acquired and refined as the GE Core curriculum is completed.  
 
At Esperanza College of Eastern University, 32 credits of the 64-72 credit associate degree support the GE experience. These include 26 credits of dedicated GE course work and another 6 credits of study within the academic major.  

Faith: Spiritual Development - 3 Credits

Understanding and Loving God

Spirituality (3 Credits)

Spirituality sets humanity apart from the rest of the natural world. We are more than just biological beings vying for survival; we are social beings who, on our best days, cultivate care and compassion for our neighbors, even our enemies. Inspired by the revolutionary life of Jesus, the study of belief allows us to reflect upon our complex questions about God, the holy scriptures, and our service to others in light of God’s love and compassion.  

Students take one of the following courses: 

  • BIBL 100 Introducing Biblical Literature,Biblical Literature in Contemporary Context
    or 
  • THEO 210 Christian Spirituality

Reason: Intellectual Development - 12-13 credits

Understanding and Loving the World

Human Behavior, Cultural Perspective, or Western Tradition (3 Credits) 

Students take one course from either category: Human Behavior, Cultural Perspective, or Western Tradition 

Human Behavior

Our ever-changing cultural landscapes make it crucial to understand the social forces that shape our ways of knowing within the human community. The study of cognition and behavior helps us break down walls and increase empathy for the other, reminding us that we are never alone. 

Cultural Perspective

In the increasingly diverse and interdependent world in which we live, it is crucial to understand the non-Western cultural perspectives that shape our ways of knowing within the human community. These traditions deepen our understanding of our complex, intersectional identities within the context of migration and globalization. 

Western Tradition

Because of Western thought’s profound influence on the intellectual, social, and political ideologies of our world, including upon the Christian faith, we seek to engage in thoughtful and critical dialogue with this tradition. 

  • INST 161 Heritage of Western Thought and Civilization - Modern

Mathematics (6 credits)

The study of mathematics points to the intricate order of the universe. Numbers are everywhere, and in our data-rich world, they help us both make sense of our existing reality and change that reality for the greater good. 

Students take the following courses 

  • MATH 103 Mathematical Ideas or higher (107, 108, 140, 150 or 160) 
  • CSCI 110 Computer Literacy

Natural Sciences (3-4 credits)

Science helps us to investigate everything in the universe, from distant stars to the biosphere, to the inner workings of our own physical bodies. Our awareness of environmental degradation and subsequent care for the natural world have the potential to affect generations to come. Through evidence-based research, Esperanza College students will be ready to assess and apply scientific methods as responsible world citizens. 

Students take one of the following courses 

Justice: Character Development - 17 Credits

Understanding and loving yourself and others

Character (3 Credits)

Individuals are much more than emotionless machines. We believe in purpose and possibility. To that end, we desire to understand what it means to be human and to explore the ways that faith, reason, and justice help us create lasting change in ourselves and in our world. 

Students take the following course 

  • INST 150 Introduction to Faith, Reason, and Justice

 
Social Justice (3 Credits)

At Esperanza College of Eastern University, we believe that God acts through individuals and the institutions they create to bring about reconciliation. This kind of transformational movement requires awareness, creativity, and clarity of vision in speaking truth to power and transforming our society for the greater good. 

Students take one of the following courses 

 
Communication (3 Credits)

In our often-polarized society, we are exposed to a lot of noise. Sometimes, it is difficult to discern what is true and good within the cacophony. At Esperanza College, we believe in becoming intentional listeners, writers, and speakers in order to build bridges instead of walls between one another. Moreover, we are energized by the ways that emerging technologies open up new opportunities for transformative communication. 

Students take the following course 

 
English Writing (8 Credits)

Social change often begins with the written word: a missive, the draft of a speech, a policy proposal. Through compelling and coherent writing, our perspectives are made manifest and real, that we might participate in the great conversations of our age.  

Students take the following courses 

College Curriculum and Course Sequencing

The degree and major-specific sequence of courses for students is shown in the tables on the following pages. Most courses are taught in an 18-week semester meeting alternate weeks. If for some reason the student cannot take a particular course in this order or fails to complete a course with the needed grade to proceed, he/she must talk with their academic advisor about ways to make up the deficiency through openings in the degree plan or through summer sessions offered, or else risk delaying graduation until all requirements are met.

Please note that specific requirements and prerequisites are listed under course descriptions starting on page 20