Core Curriculum

A Mission Statement for the Core:

The purpose of the Core Curriculum is to provide the Millsaps student with a firm foundation in the Liberal Arts Abilities, those habits of mind the college considers essential in the development of mature scholars and productive citizens.  Specifically, the Core fosters reasoning, communication, historical consciousness, and social and cultural awareness.  Designed by faculty from all divisions and based on the methods of every academic discipline, the Core Curriculum introduces our students to the tools of scholarly inquiry needed for success at Millsaps College and in life at large.

Liberal Arts Abilities

We have identified four liberal arts abilities which are considered basic to the kind of education that liberates one's intellect, understanding, and vision. They are as follows:   

Reasoning – the ability to analyze and synthesize arguments, to question assumptions, to evaluate evidence, to argue positions, to draw conclusions, and to raise new questions; varieties of reasoning include:

Quantitative – the ability to use mathematical reasoning as a tool of analysis and as a means of conveying information;

Scientific – the ability to understand and to use the scientific method;

Ethical – the ability to analyze the principles and assumptions of moral claims and to make informed and reasoned moral arguments;

Aesthetic – the ability to analyze visual, performing, or literary art.

Communication – the ability to express ideas, arguments, and information coherently and persuasively orally and in writing.

Historical Consciousness – the ability to understand the achievements, problems, and perspectives of the past and to recognize their influence upon the course of events.

Social & Cultural Awareness – the ability to engage perspectives other than one’s own.

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