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Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 951-5000
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Brooklyn College has established a college-wide core curriculum, effective with the entering class of September, 1981, which must be completed by all candidates for a baccalaureate degree. The core curriculum consists of ten interrelated courses called "Core Studies" courses plus a foreign language requirement. Core Studies courses vary in size and design. Some courses consist of separate but interlocking parts that have separate number designations. Though the parts, in some cases, may be taken separate ly, they should be regarded as forming a single unit.
The faculty has established the courses in the core curriculum according to the following criteria:
They are foundation courses designed for nonspecialists and suitable for nonmajors, but each is planned so as to introduce material of fundamental and lasting significance.
They aim to broaden awareness, cultivate the intellect, and stimulate the imagination, rather than to provide specific career preparation. They are intended to develop mental skills, rather than vocational skills. In these respects they constitute the best long-term preparation for any career.
They offer both substantive knowledge and insight into the way knowledge is acquired. Emphasis varies, some courses stressing the approaches to knowledge, others concentrating more on what are taken to be definitive human achievements.
Their purpose is to give the student a perspective, an overall view of a subject or branch of learning, and a substantial amount of information, which together with other core courses will provide a broad background in the liberal arts and sciences.
They stress the quality of exposure, rather than breadth of coverage, drawing on the power of specialists addressing themselves to general concerns.
Core Studies 1 The Classical Origins of Western Culture
3 hours; 3 credits
Introduction to the classical origins of Western civilization through study, in English translation, of Greek and Latin masterpieces that are recognized as landmarks in the evolution of modern thought and as prototypes for the major literary genres. Readings are supplemented by general lectures, films, and slides. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Core Studies 1.1 or 1.2 or Classics 1 or 1.1 or 1.2 or Humanities 10.1.)
1.1, 1.2 The Classical Origins of Western Culture
3 hours; 1 1/2 credits
Introduction to the classical origins of Western civilization through study, in English translation, of Greek and Latin masterpieces that are recognized as landmarks in the evolution of modern thought and as prototypes for the major literary genres. Credit is received for Core Studies 1.1 only on completion of Core Studies 1.2. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Core Studies 1 or Classics 1 or 1.1 or 1.2 or Humanities 10.1.)
Corequisite of Core Studies 1.1: ESL 1.01 and 1.4 and permission of the chairperson of the Classics Department.
Prerequisite of Core Studies 1.2: Core Studies 1.1 and permission of the chairperson of the Classics Department.
Core Studies 1 is administered by the Department of Classics.
Core Studies 2 Introduction to Art;
Introduction to Music
2.1 Introduction to Art
2 hours; 2 credits
Introduction to art through the study of selected works in varied styles and from various periods and cultures. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Art 1.1 or 1.3 or 2.3 or 2.4.)
Core Studies 2.1 is administered by the Department of
Art.
2.2 Introduction to Music
2 hours; 2 credits
Introduction to music through the study of works representing different times, places, and peoples. Recorded, concert, and classroom performances. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Music 11.1.)
Core Studies 2.2 is administered by the Conservatory of Music.
Core Studies 3 People, Power, and Politics
4 hours; 4 credits
Introduction to the social sciences through the study of power, authority, and social organization in American society. Emphasis on gaining insight into American society in broad terms, as well as in terms of such specific issues as social class, race, gender, community, equality, and opportunity. The unifying theme of the course is an understanding of the nature of power (social and political). A major goal of the course is an understanding of contemporary issues and controversies involving power in Am
erica.
Core Studies 3 is administered jointly by the Departments of Political Science and Sociology.
Core Studies 4 The Shaping of the Modern World
3 hours; 3 credits
European and American civilization since 1700 in its global context. Effects of revolution, nationalism, and industrialization on economic, political, social, and cultural life. The everyday experiences of women and men. Introduction to historical analysis and argument.
Core Studies 4 is administered by the Department of History.
Core Studies 5 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning and Computer Science
3 hours; 3 credits
Mathematical reasoning, formal mathematical systems, algorithms, and problem solving. The nature of the computer and the use of computers in problem solving. Introduction to computer programming. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed any course in computer programming or to students who have completed a mathematics course numbered 3.20 or higher with a grade of C or higher.)
Prerequisite: a high school course in intermediate algebra or Course 2 of the New York State Sequential Mathematics Curriculum, or Mathematics 0.35 or 0.44 with a grade of at least C-, or Mathematics 0.36 or 0.04, or the equivalent.
Core Studies 5 is administered jointly by the Departments of Mathematics and Computer and Information Science.
Core Studies 6 Landmarks of Literature
3 hours; 3 credits
Emphasis on English and American literature; works of European and non-Western cultures. Examples drawn from fiction, drama, and poetry. (Students whose native language is not English may delay taking this course until after having completed 96 credits.)
Prerequisite: English 1, 1.2, or 1.7.
Core Studies 6 is administered by the Department of English.
Core Studies 7 Science in Modern Life I
7.1 Science in Modern Life: Chemistry
A total of 23 hours lecture and 14 hours laboratory per term; 2 credits
Study of basic concepts in chemistry and their implications in modern life. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Integrated Science 2 or any college course in chemistry, except Chemistry 0.7 or 1.1.)
Prerequisite: Mathematics 0.02 or 0.22 or equivalent or a passing grade on the CUNY Mathematics Skills Assessment Test.
7.2 Science in Modern Life: Physics
A total of 23 hours lecture and 14 hours laboratory per term; 2 credits
Study of basic concepts in physics and their implications in modern life. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Physics 0.1 or 1 or 1.2 or 1.5 or 1.6 or Integrated Science 1.)
Prerequisite: Course 2 of the New York State Sequential Mathematics Curriculum or Mathematics 0.04 or a grade of at least C in Mathematics 0.35 or 0.36 or 0.44, or a passing grade in Core Studies 5, or placement in any Mathematics course numbered 2.9 or higher.
Core Studies 7 is administered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Physics.
Core Studies 8 Science in Modern Life II
8.1 Science in Modern Life: Biology
A total of 23 hours lecture and 14 hours laboratory per term; 2 credits
Study of basic concepts in biology and their implications in modern life. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Biology 1 or 3.)
8.2 Science in Modern Life: Geology
A total of 23 hours lecture and 14 hours laboratory per term; 2 credits
Study of basic concepts in geology and their implications in modern life. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Geology 1.)
Core Studies 8 is administered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Geology.
Core Studies 9 Comparative Studies in African, Asian, Latin American, and Pacific Cultures
3 hours; 3 credits
A multidisciplinary, team-taught course, with two instructors, interrelating two areas of the world; a comparative geographical overview of the two areas, followed by thematic treatment of each area and comparative analysis.
Core Studies 9 is administered by the Core Studies 9 course coordinator under the direction of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Core Studies 10 Knowledge, Existence, and Values
3 hours; 3 credits
Philosophy's distinctive ways of understanding and thinking about perennial human questions: "What can I know?"; "What is real?"; "What should my values be?" Contemporary and traditional examples of philosophic analysis and criticism. (Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Philosophy 1.1.)
Core Studies 10 is administered by the Department of Philosophy.
As part of the core curriculum, all baccalaureate students are required to complete one course in a foreign language at Level 3 (the third semester of study at the college level) or to demonstrate an equivalent proficiency by examination, except as modified below.
1. Students who have successfully completed three years of one language in high school and have passed the Regents Level 3 are exempted from the core language requirement.
2. The foreign language requirement presupposes two years of secondary school language study. Students who offer only one year of foreign language study (or none at all) are required to take one or two semesters of college study (Levels 1 and/or 2) before they can take Level 3. A student who has studied a language in high school for at least two years and wants to study a different language at the college level may do so, but this student must complete a minimum of two terms of the new language at the co llege level to fulfill the core requirement.
3. Students whose native language is not English may be exempted from this requirement by passing one of the competency examinations administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
4. Neither blanket nor equivalent credits will be given for introductory courses in a foreign language from which a student has been exempted by examination.
Core Sequence: Planning a Program
Students are expected to complete any required remedial work before beginning Core Studies courses. The ten courses of the core are divided into two "tiers." The courses of the first tier, Core Studies 1 to 5, may be taken in any order, as may the courses of the second tier, Core Studies 6 to 10. As a general rule, however, all first-tier courses should precede second-tier courses. Two exceptions to the rule are allowed: (1) in the semester in which Core Studies 1 to 5 are completed, a student may concur rently elect to begin courses from Core Studies 6 to 10; and (2) students with a particular interest in beginning one or another course from Core Studies 6 to 10 (for example, to explore a possible major in one of these fields) may elect such a course, but only in addition to, not in place of, a minimum of two courses from Core Studies 1 to 5, to be taken at the same time.
Full-time students will normally complete the core studies over two or three years of college study. First- tier courses are taken over the first two or three semesters, and second-tier courses are distributed over the next two or three semesters, depending on how many electives and major field courses are combined with the core curriculum. Students are encouraged to lay out programs of study in advance, consulting with a college adviser at any time, and bearing in mind any special requirements of possib le major fields.
Part-time students in day or evening sessions may extend sequences over a longer period of time than indicated (without regard to actual number of semesters taken). However, all students should complete Core Studies 1 to 5 at or before the completion of 48 credits.
All Core Studies courses should be completed by the time a student has earned 96 credits. However, students in the English-as-a-Second-Language Program may take Core Studies 6 after the completion of 96 credits.
Students who have completed part of the language requirement in high school are strongly advised to continue further language study in the first year.
Substitutions For Core Courses
The core curriculum is a common-experience core. Students are excused from core courses only by virtue of completing a stipulated, more comprehensive or more advanced course or set of courses in the same area. Such courses must be completed within the time period specified for the core courses.
Substitutions for certain core courses are permitted only as follows:
For Core Studies 1: Core Studies 1.1 and 1.2.
For Core Studies 2.1: Art 1.3.
For Core Studies 2.2: Music 9.1 and 9.2; or 11.1.
For Core Studies 5: Mathematics 2.9 or a higher- numbered course in the Mathematics Department and Computer and Information Science 0.1 or 1.1 or 1.2 or 1.3 or 1.10 or 1.20 or 1.5.
For Core Studies 6: Comparative Literature 11 and any one of the following English courses: 10.1 or 30.5 or 30.6 or 40.1 or 40.4 or 60.1 or 62.11 or 62.21 or 62.31.
For Core Studies 7.1: Chemistry 1 or 1.2 or 5.
For Core Studies 7.2: Physics 1 or 1.2 or 1.5 or 1.6 or 2.3.
For Core Studies 8.1: Biology 1 or 3.
For Core Studies 8.2: Geology 1.
For Core Studies 10: One course from Philosophy 11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2 or 12.3 and one course from Philosophy 6, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28. Students registered in Brooklyn College study abroad programs (see the section on "Special Programs" in this Bulletin) may have up to seven credits earned in such programs applied to their core curriculum requirements according to the "General guidelines on core equivalents for transfer and readmitted students" rather than "Substitutions for core c ourses."
Students who have completed three years of language study (Regents Level 3) or who demonstrate an equivalent proficiency are exempted from the core foreign language requirement of one course at Level 3.
A different set of equivalents applies to transfer students. These will be found below in the section "Transfer students."
A student may elect to have grades in any two previously passed Core Studies courses changed from an ordinary passing grade (D- through A+) to a grade of P (pass). This option must be exercised no later than the tenth week of the semester following that in which students complete their ninety-sixth credit. Once this option has been utilized it may not be rescinded, nor may the courses to which the grade of P has been assigned be changed. For purposes of this regulation, Core Studies 2.1, 2.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8 .1, and 8.2 are considered separate and distinct courses.
Courses deemed to be substituted for, or equivalent to, Core Studies are not eligible for the retroactive pass option.
Students in the Special Baccalaureate Degree Program for Adults, a program that has its own structured core curriculum, continue to fulfill the curricular requirements of that program and are exempt from Core Studies 1 through 10. Students in the Small College Program take the college-wide Core Studies sequence in a special format designed for this program. Students must satisfy the language requirement of the college (see "Foreign language requirement" in this Bulletin). Students must also satisfy any a dditional requirement stipulated by the department of their major. Further information about these programs may be obtained from the office of Special Degree Programs for Adults, 3227 Boylan Hall (telephone: 780-5262, 780-5525).
Native Speakers of Languages Other Than English
Native speakers of languages other than English are given additional flexibility in the sequence and number of core courses to be taken a term. The choice is based on the student's academic preparation in specific subject areas.
All students who are required to fulfill the core curriculum requirements as of fall, 1981, or thereafter must complete the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements in the event that they take a leave of absence and are then readmitted to the college.
Readmitted students: fall 1981 through summer 1982
Students readmitted to the college for the academic year 1981Ð82 or for summer, 1982, who have earned fewer than 12 credits acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree at the time of readmission must fulfill the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements.
Readmitted students who have earned at least 12 credits, but not more than 80 credits, acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree may fulfill either the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements, or the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Those who have earned more than 80 credits acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree may fulfill either: 1) the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements; or 2) the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin; or 3) with the permission of the Committee on Course and Standing, the requirements of any other Brooklyn College Bulletin in effect while they were in attendance at the college.
Readmitted students: fall 1982 through summer 1983
Students readmitted to the college for the academic year 1982Ð83 or for summer, 1983, who have earned fewer than 28 credits acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree at the time of readmission must fulfill the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements.
Readmitted students who have earned at least 28 credits, but not more than 80 credits, acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree may fulfill either the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements or the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Students who have earned more than 80 credits from Brooklyn College may fulfill either: 1) the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements; or 2) the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin; or 3) with the permission of the Committee on Course and Standing, the requirements of any other Brooklyn College Bulletin in effect while they were previously in attendance at the college.
Students readmitted with more than 80 credits acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree but with 80 credits or less earned at Brooklyn College may fulfill either the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements or the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Readmitted students: fall 1983 or thereafter
Students readmitted for fall, 1983, or thereafter who have earned 80 credits or less acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree must fulfill the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements.
Students readmitted for fall, 1983, or thereafter who have earned more than 80 credits from Brooklyn College prior to readmission may fulfill either: 1) the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements; or 2) the degree requirements stated in the 1979Ð81 Undergraduate Bulletin; or 3) with the permission of the Committee on Course and Standing, the requirements of any other Brooklyn College Bulletin in effect while they were previously in attendance at the college.
Students readmitted with more than 80 credits acceptable toward a Brooklyn College degree--but with 80 credits or less earned at Brooklyn College--must fulfill the core curriculum/core equivalency requirements.
Core equivalencies
Core equivalencies for readmitted students are the same as those for transfer students and are acceptable only if they were completed prior to the studentÕs being subject to the core curriculum.
The college has established equivalencies regarding the fulfillment of core requirements by transfer students. The evaluation of all transfer credit is initiated through the Office of Advanced Standing, 3215 Boylan Hall. General information concerning core requirements for transfer students may be obtained in the Academic Advisement Center, 3207 Boylan Hall.
Students who transferred to Brooklyn College during the academic year 1981Ð82, with 12 or more credits accepted by the college and who have been in continuous attendance, may fulfill either the former school requirements (based on choice of major) or those of the core curriculum. Those who transferred during this period with fewer than 12 credits must fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum, following the equivalencies policy stated below.
Students who transferred to Brooklyn College during the academic year 1982Ð83, with 28 credits or more accepted by the college and who have been in continuous attendance, may fulfill either the former school requirements (based on choice of major) or those of the core curriculum.
Those who transferred during this period with fewer than 28 credits must fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum. Students who transferred to Brooklyn College during the academic year 1983Ð84 and there after, also must fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum, following the equivalencies policy stated below.
General guidelines on core equivalents for transfer and readmitted students only
The equivalencies listed below refer only to courses completed at another college, or at Brooklyn College prior to the student's being subject to the requirements of the core curriculum.
Core Studies 1: A course of at least three credits in Greek and Roman civilization, literature, philosophy, or history that includes readings in translation of ancient texts representing a minimum of three of the literary genres included in the Core Studies 1 syllabus. The same three credits may not be offered in fulfillment of Core Studies 10.
Core Studies 2.1: A course of at least two credits in art history or introduction to art.
Core Studies 2.2: A course of at least two credits in music history or music literature or introduction to music.
Core Studies 3: A course in sociology and a course in political science totaling at least four credits
or
at least two credits in political science and a Brooklyn College sociology course
or
at least two credits in sociology and a Brooklyn College political science course.
Core Studies 4: A broad survey course of at least three credits in world history after 1700 or the history of Western civilization after 1700.
Core Studies 5: A course of at least three credits combining mathematics and computing, provided that the student has had substantial "hands-on" experience with some sort of computer and that the course has a prerequisite of intermediate algebra
or
at least two transfer credits in computer and information science and a credit-bearing mathematics course at Brooklyn College
or
at least two transfer credits in a mathematics course and a computer and information science course other than Computer and Information Science 0.2 at Brooklyn College
or
a course in computing and a credit-bearing mathematics course that has intermediate algebra as a prerequisite
or
at least two transfer credits in a course in computing, and Economics 30.2 or Business 30.2, and Economics 31.1.
Core Studies 6: A course of at least three credits that focuses substantially on English and/or American literature and that has been taken after at least one term of college-level English composition.
Core Studies 7 (both 7.1 and 7.2): At least four credits in physics and/or chemistry, at least one credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 7.1 (only): A course of at least two credits in chemistry, at least one-half credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 7.2 (only): A course of at least two credits in physics, at least one-half credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 8 (both 8.1 and 8.2): At least four credits in biology and/or geology, at least one credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 8.1 (only): A course or courses of at least two credits in biology, at least one-half credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 8.2 (only): A course or courses of at least two credits in geology, at least one-half credit of which is for laboratory work.
Core Studies 9: A course or courses of at least three credits devoted to at least two of the following areas: African, Asian, Latin American, and Pacific cultures. The student who has a course in one of these areas may fulfill these requirements by taking either Core Studies 9 or a course in one other area.
Core Studies 10: A philosophy course of a least three credits that includes at least two of the following three areas: epistemology, metaphysics, ethics. The same three credits may not be offered in fulfillment of Core Studies 1.
Language requirement for transfer students
It is recommended that transfer students entering Brooklyn College during the academic years 1981Ð82 and 1982Ð83 fulfill a foreign language minimum of one course at Level 3 or an equivalent proficiency.
Students majoring in the humanities and performing arts departments are required, as of September, 1981, to meet at least the new college-wide requirement of level-3 language. These students are also advised to consult departmental language requirements, which in some areas exceed the college-wide minimum.
As of September, 1983, all transfer students are required to meet the college-wide language requirement.
Students who have questions about the core curriculum should consult a counselor in the Academic Advisement Center, 3207 Boylan Hall.
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