This first-year gateway course introduces students to the great questions and problems of humankind through discussion-based exploration of transformative texts from a variety of disciplines and genres. These texts will be examined in the context in which they were written and explored for what they mean today. The course helps students practice the critical thinking and communication skills they will need for success in college and in life. Throughout the course, students’ understanding and enjoyment of the selected texts will be supplemented by extracurricular activities and presentations, such as visits to historic and cultural sites, plays, musical performances, films, galleries, poetry readings, public lectures, and community engagement. Prerequisites: Acceptance into Great TEXTS certificate program

This course examines a series of transformative texts written in a variety of different genres, cultural traditions, and historical periods that engage with life’s big questions, both contemporary and enduring. Throughout the course, students’ understanding and enjoyment of the selected texts will be supplemented by extracurricular activities and presentations, such as visits to historic and cultural sites, plays, musical performances, films, galleries, poetry readings, public lectures, and community engagement. Specific topics and texts will change each semester. Prerequisites: TX 100

This course examines a series of transformative texts written in a variety of different genres, cultural traditions, and historical periods that engage with the essential problems of the human condition, both contemporary and enduring. Throughout the course, students’ understanding and enjoyment of the selected texts will be supplemented by extracurricular activities and presentations, such as visits to historic and cultural sites, plays, musical performances, films, galleries, poetry readings, public lectures, and community engagement. Specific topics and texts will change each semester. Prerequisites: TX 100 and TX 200

This course examines a series of transformative texts written in a variety of different genres, cultural traditions, and historical periods that inspire, foresee, or call to action. Throughout the course, students’ understanding and enjoyment of the selected texts will be supplemented by extracurricular activities and presentations, such as visits to historic and cultural sites, plays, musical performances, films, galleries, poetry readings, public lectures, and community engagement. Specific topics and texts will change each semester. Prerequisites: TX 100, TX 200, and TX 300

With faculty consultation, students will complete a project based in transformational texts that applies to their lives, major, and interests. The project may be based in research, creative work, or community engagement. Prerequisites: TX 100, TX 200, TX 300, and TX 301