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Cornerstone Program Learning Outcomes: Catholic Intellectual Traditions Learning Outcomes

This guide contains links to the current learning outcomes for each of the Cornerstone Program requirements.

Cornerstone Program Learning Outcomes: Catholic Intellectual Traditions


Courses fulfilling the CIT Requirement, though different in topics and approaches, generally will aim for depth of engagement into a few theologically rich areas of the tradition rather than breadth of coverage of all the areas of theology.  They will all explore such questions as:

  • What is the meaning of human nature?
  • What is the best human life to live?
  • What is the nature of the universe?
  • What is the place of human beings in the universe?
  • What are possible responses to meaninglessness, pain, loss, and evil?
  • How ought humans to live as a community and for what purpose?
  • How have humans imagined holiness, goodness, and beauty and for what purpose?
  • How can humans live authentically in a globalized and pluralistic world?
  • How can humans live sustainable lives in a harmed and precarious global environment? 
  • How do notions of God and religious faith inform responses to all of these questions?

Key Outcomes

  • Critical inquiry. Engage with the rich traditions and questions that both emerged from and shaped Catholicism.
  • Dialogue and discourse.  Engage in conversation a range of theological, philosophical historical, or contemporary issues and make meaningful connections to public and/or scholarly discourse.
  • Critical reading and analysis. Develop the ability to contextualize and critically analyze primary and secondary sources in print and electronic formats.
  • Argument and expression.  Develop the ability to set forth clear, well-supported, and persuasive arguments, orally and in writing.  Develop the ability to write essays that reflect knowledge of essential facts and a command of analytical and writing skills.
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