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What are CORE courses?

CORE courses are part of the Common University Courses for which students are not expected to have prior expertise. They are courses with a capacity of approximately 100 students enrolled, are one-semester, assessed by a colloquium, and are graded with 3 credits.

For some degree programmes, CORE courses are compulsory electives. Students in such degree programmes are entitled to priority enrolment in CORE courses. To fulfill the CORE requirement, students must take at least 3 courses outside their field of study (a mathematician looks into the history of music, a linguist looks into the mysteries of bioethics, etc.). At the same time, only one CORE course from Strand 4 can be accepted to fulfill the Common University Core requirement. Additional courses in this strand can only be enrolled in the event of vacancy, and only through the faculty studies department. Credits from an additional skills course enrolled in this way will not be accepted towards fulfilling the CORE requirement, although the system will count them towards the CORE. Other learners may use the CORE course offerings as an interesting extension of their studies, to see what is being taught in other faculties and to earn credits for electives.

Students can take the CORE courses as an extension of their field of studies, to see what is being taught in other faculties and to earn credits for electives. It is recommended that students take at least 3 courses not related to their field of studies (a mathematician can investigate the history of music, a linguist can immerse themselves in the mysteries of bioethics, etc.). For some degree programmes, CORE subjects may be selective.

Why should I take a CORE course?

There are several advantages of taking a CORE course. In addition to getting a sneak peek at a completely different discipline than that you came to study, you also have the opportunity to meet students and faculty from other disciplines and make new colleagues and friends. Another indisputable advantage is that these courses are designed for "non-disciplinary learners" and the teachers adapt their teaching and form of instruction accordingly. You don't have to be afraid to choose a course in a discipline in which you are a complete layman.

What specific CORE courses can I enroll in?

You can find the current course offerings in the IS MU in the Course Catalogue or in the registration templates.

You can choose courses from the following four subject areas:

1. The World in the 21st Century: Civilization in a Global Context

Are you wondering what (geo)political, economic, cultural, technological and environmental factors have shaped the world today or in the past? Are you interested in how the role of the public and its activities are changing on issues such as elections, individual interests, education, health and environmental protection? Enrol in a course in this subject area!

2. Man between nature and culture

Are you interested in looking at human existence from a variety of perspectives? Do you want to discuss the interrelationships between biological, social and cultural factors of human life (e.g. in the fields of education, verbal and non-verbal communication, art, etc.)? Take a course in this subject area!

3. Advances and limits of scientific knowledge

Do you want to learn about different advances in knowledge in the natural sciences? Is it interesting for you to see how cognitive and explanatory paradigms and general assumptions of scientific knowledge of the world are changing? Enrol in a course in this topic area!

4. Skills and competences for life

Do you want to develop important competences such as analytical and critical thinking, entrepreneurship or a capacity for lifelong learning? Are you interested in understanding the issues of social responsibility and sustainable development or how to become an active citizen? Enrol in a course from this topic area!

Related to the Common University Courses topic

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