CHRIST COLLEGE THE HONORS COLLEGE

Mark R. Schwehn, Ph.D., Dean
Margaret Franson, M.A.L.S., Assistant Dean

Professors Olmsted, Piehl, Schwehn; Associate Professors Bunge, Contino, Morgan; Assistant Professors Creech, R. Visser, Wilson.

    Christ College is the honors college of Valparaiso University. Established in 1967, Christ College celebrates more than thirty years of providing an honors-level liberal arts curriculum dedicated to the study and practice of the basic arts of inquiry and committed to educational processes that enable students to achieve a measure of intellectual independence.

    Christ College students are concurrently enrolled in one of the University's undergraduate Colleges--Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, or Nursing--where they earn their bachelor's degrees. Study in Christ College complements all academic programs, providing stimulating interdisciplinary study in the humanities with master teacher-scholars and academically talented students. Many Christ College courses fulfill the University's General Education Requirements.

    Completion of a program of study in Christ College leads to graduation with the honors designation Christ College Associate or Christ College Scholar. A student may also earn a complementary major or an academic minor in Christ College humanities coursework. Requirements for these programs are described in detail on pages 174-175.

    Christ College takes its name from respected colleges established centuries ago. In the tradition of those colleges, Christ College is dedicated to the cultivation of intellectual, moral, and spiritual virtues. The College's name also suggests its compatibility with Valparaiso University's definition of itself as a university in the Christian intellectual tradition.

    Christ College endeavors to develop among its members a sense of community: a community of seekers of knowledge and truth, a community within which free inquiry is encouraged and principled commitment is fostered, a community of scholars engaged in preparing themselves for active participation in the larger human community. Much of the curricular structure of Christ College and many of its co-curricular activities are devoted to developing this sense of community.

    Its attractive facilities also encourage community-building. Christ College is located in Mueller Hall, a modern building in the heart of campus where students and faculty interact in seminar-sized classrooms, a 60-seat multimedia lecture hall, a comfortable lounge/art gallery, a multipurpose refectory, and faculty offices.

    By developing an academic community that gathers outside as well as inside the classroom, Christ College promotes a particular set of educational virtues and ideals among its members. Among these are direct and personal relationships between students and faculty, a spirit of cooperation and mutual growth through free exchange of ideas, a willingness to challenge and scrutinize ideas and beliefs (including one's own), and a concern for the integration of academic learning into a responsible and meaningful life.

    While stressing intellectual excellence and the fullest use of one's own mental gifts, the College also attempts to develop within its members the virtues of modesty and civility, a humble awareness of limitations and failures, and a sense that the more knowledge is gained, the more it is to be used wisely in the service of others. To the extent that these values are actually realized in its members, Christ College considers them prepared for responsible vocations in society and for leadership in the Christian community.

ADMISSION AND MEMBERSHIP IN CHRIST COLLEGE

    Freshman Admission. To be considered for membership in Christ College beginning in the freshman year, students must first be admitted to Valparaiso University. Admitted students with superior academic records, strong SAT or ACT scores, proven leadership in extracurricular activities, and a measure of curiosity and creativity are invited by the Dean of Christ College to apply for the honors program. Between 75 and 85 freshmen are accepted into the Christ College Freshman Program each fall.

    The Christ College Freshman Program (CC 110: Text and Contexts I and CC 115: Texts and Contexts II) includes a two semester course in the great traditions of humankind with readings in history, literature, philosophy, and religion from the earliest recorded thought to the present day. Coursework emphasizes close reading, thoughtful discussion, and critical writing. Special Freshman Program activities include drama, music, and debate.

    Upperclass Admission. Students with superior records of academic achievement may be invited to join Christ College later than the start of the freshman year at the Dean's discretion. For example, some sophomores are admitted to Christ College each fall. These students enroll in sophomore level Christ College courses and begin the pursuit of Christ College Associate and Christ College Scholar graduation distinctions.

    Still other students enroll in one or more courses offered by the College, but do not pursue honors program designations. Such enrollment is subject to the approval of the Dean and limited only by class size.

    Any Valparaiso University student--whether or not he or she is a member of Christ College--may pursue a complementary major or a minor in humanities through Christ College coursework.

    Membership in Christ College. A student formally admitted to Christ College, either as a freshman or upperclass student, in order to pursue a Scholar or Associate distinction, is designated a member of Christ College. Once admitted to membership, a student's status is regularly reviewed by the dean and faculty to determine whether the student is satisfying the standards appropriate to membership in the Honors College. These requirements include contribution to the common life of the College, satisfactory academic progress toward a degree in one of the undergraduate colleges, and continuing academic achievement consonant with the mission and standards of Christ College.

    Even when students are not directly registered in Christ College courses during a given semester, they are expected to contribute to the College's common life. This includes attendance at the Christ College Symposium and regular consultation with a Christ College adviser.

    Continuing academic achievement at the honors level includes a) a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 in all coursework completed at the University and b) a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 in all coursework completed in Christ College. Students who fall below these standards at the end of a semester or academic year will be notified by the dean and reminded that Christ College Associate and Scholar distinctions require a 3.30 cumulative average for work in both Christ College and Valparaiso University. In some cases students will be asked to meet with their adviser and/or the dean to discuss their status, and may be counseled not to continue in Christ College.

    However, membership in Christ College is never terminated by the mechanical application of particular criteria such as cumulative grade point average or the student's academic record for a particular semester or year. The dean and faculty consider the circumstances and direction of each student's total academic career, and retain the right to maintain a student's membership in Christ College in light of these conditions. The final approval for those who graduate with the designations of Christ College Associate and Christ College Scholar is made by the faculty.

    The dean and faculty take an interest in the total program of every member of Christ College, and seek to enhance the quality of educational experience for each individual student. Accordingly, the Dean may authorize certain variations in the normal academic requirements of a student if such variations seem desirable in the best interests of the student. For example, the Dean may permit a student to carry extra credit hours and to waive certain University requirements if such waivers are justified. Members of the College are normally expected to meet all University requirements for graduation except where such modifications have been explicitly authorized by the Dean. In general, the faculty may tailor a program to meet a student's interests and needs within the general framework and spirit of the University's requirements.

ACADEMIC ADVISING AND APPROVAL OF COURSE SCHEDULES

    Advising of students pursuing programs in Christ College is under the general direction of the Assistant Dean. Christ College freshmen are usually advised by a member of the Christ College faculty. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are advised by the Assistant Dean, with faculty members available to consult at any time.

    Students are encouraged to confer regularly with their Christ College advisers to select courses, to meet University and College graduation requirements, to assure orderly progress in their chosen programs, and to assist in career planning and related matters.

    In addition to a Christ College adviser, students have an adviser in the other college in which they are simultaneously enrolled, and are expected to confer regularly with that adviser as well.

    It is each student's responsibility to know curriculum requirements, academic policies, deadlines for academic actions, and Christ College membership criteria.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

    Completion of the degree requirements of the college in which the Christ College student is concurrently enrolled leads to the bachelor's degree appropriate to that college. In addition, a member of Christ College, by meeting the appropriate requirements, may graduate as a Christ College Scholar or Christ College Associate. The transcript carries the notation along with an explanation of its meaning.

    Christ College students as well as students who are not members of Christ College may pursue a complementary major in humanities or a minor in humanities through the College.

    Christ College Scholar. The requirements for this designation are:

1. Membership in Christ College for a minimum of three semesters.

2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.30 in all coursework completed at the University and in all coursework completed in Christ College for the Scholar designation.

3. A minimum of 22 credit hours beyond the Christ College Freshman Program courses CC 110 and CC 115. A student who enters the College after the freshman year and who has not taken CC 110 and CC 115 is required to take one additional 3 credit seminar (CC 300 or CC 325). Students may not choose the S/U grading option for coursework beyond CC 110 in any course used to fulfill the requirements for Scholar designation.

            One course selected from:
            CC 250 Interpretation in the Humanities 4 Cr.
            CC 260 Interpretation in the Social Sciences 4 Cr.
            CC 270 Interpretation in the Natural Sciences 4 Cr.

            Two courses selected from:
            CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
            CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
            CC 455 Inquiry in the Liberal Arts 3 Cr.
           An approved off-campus study program.

    Christ College Associate. The requirements for this designation are:

1. Membership in Christ College for a minimum of three semesters.

2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.30 in all coursework completed at the University and in all coursework completed in Christ College for the Associate designation.

3. A minimum of 14 credit hours beyond the Christ College Freshman Program courses CC 110 and CC 115. A student who enters the College after the freshman year and who has not taken CC 110 and CC 115 is required to take one additional 3 credit seminar (CC 300 or CC 325). Students may not choose the S/U grading option for coursework beyond CC 110 in any course used to fulfill the requirements for Associate designation.

            One course selected from:
            CC 205 Word, Image, Tone 4 Cr.
            CC 250 Interpretation in the Humanities 4 Cr.
            CC 260 Interpretation in the Social Sciences 4 Cr.
            CC 270 Interpretation in the Natural Sciences 4 Cr.

            Two courses selected from:
            CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
            CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3-4 Cr.
            CC 455 Inquiry in the Liberal Arts 3 Cr.
            An approved off-campus study program.

    Complementary Major in Humanities. The complementary major in humanities is ordinarily pursued in conjunction with the Christ College Scholar program of studies, but may be pursued independently from the Scholar requirements. Any student, whether or not a member of Christ College, may earn a complementary major in humanities.

        The complementary major in humanities requires a minimum of 23 credit hours in Christ College courses.

        Required coursework includes:

        One course selected from:
        CC 250 Interpretation in the Humanities 4 Cr.
        CC 260 Interpretation in the Social Sciences 4 Cr.

        Two courses selected from:
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 455 Inquiry in the Liberal Arts 3 Cr.
        An approved off-campus study program.

        Three CC seminars taken on campus
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 325 Seminar 4 Cr.

        A course used to fulfill the requirements of a complementary major in humanities may not be used to fulfill the requirements of any other major or minor.

    Minor in Humanities. The minor in humanities is ordinarily pursued in conjunction with the Christ College Scholar program of studies, but may be pursued independently from the Scholar requirements. Any student, whether or not a member of Christ College, may earn a minor in humanities.

        The minor in humanities requires a minimum of 17 credit hours in Christ College courses.

        Required coursework includes:

        One course selected from:
        CC 250 Interpretation in the Humanities 4 Cr.
        CC 260 Interpretation in the Social Sciences 4 Cr.

        One course selected from:
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 455 Inquiry in the Liberal Arts 3 Cr.
        An approved off-campus study program.

        Two CC seminars taken on campus
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 300 or 325 Seminar 3 Cr.
        CC 325 Seminar 4 Cr.

    A course used to fulfill the requirements of a minor in humanities may not be used to fulfill the requirements of any other major or minor.

COURSE OFFERINGS

The Freshman Program

CC 110. Texts and Contexts I: Traditions of Human Thought.
Cr. 8. Intensive study of great works in religious, philosophical, and literary traditions. The close reading of primary texts is accompanied by a survey of the wider aspects of the historical epoch or milieu appropriate to each text. The course is graded S/U only, though advisory grades (A-F) are given throughout the semester. Consent of the Christ College Dean required for enrollment.

CC 115. Texts and Contexts II: Traditions of Human Thought.
Cr. 8. The first seven weeks of this course continues CC 110. In the second seven weeks students choose from seminars on topics relevant to the larger themes of the course. Each student conducts a major investigation of a problem formulated within the seminar. The course is graded A-F only. Consent of the Christ College Dean required for enrollment.

Sophomore-Junior-Senior Curriculum

CC 201. Christ College Symposium.
Cr. 0. Presentations and discussions of items and topics of special interest to members of the Christ College community. Christ College sophomores, juniors, and seniors are expected to register for the course and to attend each gathering except in cases of irresolvable conflicts. Only Christ College members may register for the course, but all students are welcome to attend. S/U grade.

CC 205. Word, Image, Tone.
Cr. 4. A study of selected literary, philosophical, and religious texts, with special emphasis on the relationship of these texts to works of art and music, These classic texts are read, analyzed, and discussed in seminar settings, supplemented by plenary session devoted to lectures and discussions of visual images and musical compositions. Prerequisites: CC 115 or ENGL 100 or CORE 115 and consent of the Dean.

CC 215. The Christian Tradition: Doubt, Belief and Disbelief.
Cr. 3. A study of one or more major topics in the history of Christian thought, with attention to the ways that these topics have been addressed by the Scriptures, classics in theological discourse, and other significant writings. Prerequisites: CC 115 or THEO 100 or CORE 115, and consent of the Dean.

CC 250. Interpretation in the Humanities.
Cr. 4. An introductory study of interpretation through the examination of selected primary materials in the humanities. Specific questions of authorial intention, of the place of language, symbol, and tradition in society, of audience expectation and response, of appropriate modes of inquiry and methods of validation, and the role of participant-observer are considered in the context of recent theory and practice on a variety of topics. Prerequisite: consent of the Dean.

CC 260. Interpretation in the Social Sciences.
Cr. 4. An introductory study of interpretation in the social sciences designed to improve the ability to understand the men and women who inhabit or who have inhabited the world of human action. The course provides an introduction to some basic interpretive problems in several areas including, for example, psychology, social theory, anthropology, and history. Primary research as well as secondary research is required. Prerequisite: consent of the Dean.

CC 270. Interpretation in the Natural Sciences.
Cr. 4. A survey of methodology and the philosophical underpinnings of the natural sciences to achieve better understandings of the scientific enterprise. Scientific projects and oral presentations complement readings, lectures, and discussions. Prerequisite: consent of the Dean.

CC 300. Seminar.
Cr. 3. Each semester Christ College offers seminars dealing with themes of social, intellectual, cultural, spiritual, or artistic importance. These courses are often interdisciplinary in nature. Seminars may be cross-listed with academic departments in other colleges of the University. Seminars may be focused on topics, historical periods, or persons, but are not limited to these designations. Recent seminar titles include: African Politics and Literature; Ethical Reflection and Modern Literature; Rock and Roll: Its Forms and Contexts; Inventing the Body; Love and Friendship; Christian Social Thought, Literature, Religion and Modernity; Twentieth Century Lives; Postmodernism and Contemporary Fiction; Children, the Family , and Faith; Poe and Baudelaire; Character and Destiny; Updike, Morrison, and Contemporary America. CC 300 may be repeated with different seminar topics. Prerequisites: open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, including students who are not members of Christ College, and consent of the Dean.

CC 325. Seminar.
Cr. 3-4. Same as CC 300, except course may be intensified to 4 credits with the consent of the instructor. A student who takes the course for 4 credits will prepare an honors thesis on some aspect of the seminar topic in place of one of the regularly assigned papers and the final examination. As a general rule only students with junior or senior standing will be permitted to intensify this course.

CC 455. Inquiry in the Liberal Arts.
Cr. 3. A course in the theory and practice of the liberal arts. Students in this course collaborate with instructors as tutorial assistants in CC110. Prerequisites: CC 110 or CC 115, and consent of the Dean.

CC 495. Independent Study Project.
Cr. 1-4. A special independent study project arranged with a member of the faculty. Approval of this project must be obtained from the faculty mentor and the Dean of the College prior to registration. Forms for this project are available from the Dean's Office.

CC 499. Senior Colloquium.
Cr. 1. Cr. 1. A capstone, integrative experience for seniors under the direction of Christ College faculty in which students give shape to the substance of their lives through autobiographical narrative, and reflect upon the character and meaning of their future work. Prerequisite: senior standing and consent of the Dean.