Course Catalog

Dance

Interim Chairperson: Molly Kretchmar-Hendricks 

Program Director-Dance: Suzanne Ostersmith 
Associate Professors: K. Jeffs, S. Ostersmith, C. Pepiton, L. Stamoolis (Program Director of Theatre Arts) 
Lecturers: B. Edwards, P. Erickson 
Adjuncts: C. Forthun-Bruner, S. Glesk, J. Lyons, K. Parbon

The department offers two majors and three minors:

Bachelor of Arts, Dance major
(required concentration in either Dance Pedagogy or Performance)

Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts major
(required concentration in either Performance or Design, Technology, and Management [DTM])

Minor in Dance

Minor in Theatre Arts

Minor in Interdisciplinary Arts

Since the earliest human civilizations, theatre and dance have been integral to the fabric of human communication. The process of performance is woven into personal, community, business, artistic, and religious life - and into the dialogue among the cultures and nations of the world.

Critical examination of this process describes, interprets, and evaluates these relationships. As faculty in the Department of Theatre & Dance, we seek to assist students in becoming effective, creative, and ethically responsible communicators who can understand theoretical choices and design, express, interpret, and critically evaluate oral, written, nonverbal, and electronically mediated messages.

Theatre & Dance, as an academic discipline, draws upon the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and the professions. The curriculum is both conceptual and applied. Courses prepare students for an in-depth exploration of one or more areas of inquiry. Teaching and learning methods combine lectures, seminars, workshops, production, and performance. Theatre & Dance at Gonzaga reflects the Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic character and liberal arts tradition of the institution.

Mission Statement

The Theatre & Dance Department at Gonzaga University is committed to training and developing artists who confront the important issues of our lives through their engagement with the art forms of live theatre and dance.

Students study and critically reflect on a broad range of literature, theatrical forms, and techniques in order to promote an active engagement with the foundations of our culture and to promote the formation of a character that reflects the faith and justice mission of Gonzaga University. The intended outcome of this study and reflection is to provide service to our audience and the broader community and to promote the pursuit for social justice.

Our purpose is to serve young artists hoping to apply disciplined training and thoughtful work to search for justice and the greater good of those around them.

Students interested in a minor that combines the strengths of theatre, dance, visual arts, and music should visit the Interdisciplinary Arts page for more information about the Interdisciplinary Arts Minor. 

Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies (COML) and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) Graduate Pathways Program:

Majors interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies (COML) or a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) may apply to the graduate program at the end of the academic year immediately preceding their final year of undergraduate study. Those who meet the COML or ORGL admissions standards will be granted provisional acceptance. During their final year of undergraduate study, these students will be able to enroll in up to six graduate-level COML or ORGL credits in addition to their undergraduate course load, with no additional or separate charge for graduate credits. Graduate Pathway students will be limited to a maximum of 18 credits per semester, including graduate credits, in each of the two semesters of their final year of undergraduate study.

B.A. Major in Dance: 35 credits 

(required concentration in Pedagogy or Performance) 
Lower Division (14 credits)
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts 3 credits
DANC 170 Principles of Dance Conditioning 3 credits
THEA 260 Production Lab 1 credit
DANC 270 Dance History  3 credits
Two of the following technique/practice courses: 4 credits
DANC 105 Jazz Dance I 
DANC 110  Contemporary/Modern Dance I
DANC 115 Ballet I 
DANC 205 Jazz Dance II
        DANC 210 Contemporary Modern II  
        DANC 215 Ballet II  

Upper Division (13 credits) 
Two of the following courses or combinations. 
DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance
 3 credits
DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance
 3 credits
DANC 305 Jazz Dance III + DANC 405 Jazz Dance Performance
 3 credits
DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III +DANC 410 Performance
 3 credits
         DANC 315 Ballet III + DANC 415 Ballet Performance 3 credits
 Required:   
DANC 465 Choreography  3 credits
DANC 470 Strategies for Dance Instruction 3 credits
DANC 455 Dance Senior Seminar 1 credit
   
Students must select one of two concentrations: 

Dance Pedagogy concentration:

 8 credits
Required:   
DANC 460  Advanced Dance Production 1 credit
DANC 471  Applied Dance Field Instruction 2 credits

Electives:


          DANC 150 Dance: Culture and Art 3 credits
          DANC 180, 280 Special Topics  1-3 credits
          EDTE 201 Learning Theories   3 credits
          EDTE 221E Differentiation Instruction/Assessment 4 credits
          THEA 237 Costume Design 3 credits
          THEA 239 Lighting Design 3 credits
          THEA 260 Production Lab 1 credit
          EDPE 311 Exercise & Sport Instruction Methods 3 credits
          DANC 355, 405, 410, or 415 1-3 credits
          DANC 466 Advanced Composition  1 credit
          DANC 497 Internship (not to exceed 3 credits) 1-3 credits
**Students taking EDTE 221E must enroll concurrently in DANC 465
  
**Students taking EDPE 311 may have  EDPE 190 prerequisite waived   

Performance concentration:

 8 credits
 Required:   
DANC 460 Advanced Dance Production 1 credit
DANC 466 Advanced Composition  1 credit
One of the following:  
DANC 305 Jazz Dance III 2 credits
DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III  2 credits
DANC 315 Ballet III  2 credits
Electives: 4 credits
           THEA 120 Voice Movement               3 credits
           DANC 180, 280 Special Topics 1-3 credits
           EDPE 224 Nutrition for Health and Fitness 3 credits
           THEA 239 Lighting Design  3 credits
           THEA 261 Performance Lab  3 credits
           DANC 360 Company Lab 1 credit
  DANC 405, 410, or 415  
 1-3 creds 
           DANC 471 Applied Dance Field Instruction 2 credits
  THEA 497 Internship 
 1-3 credits
 

Minor in Dance: 20 credits
Lower Division (11 credits) 
  
One of the following theory/practices:
DANC 170 Principles of Dance Conditioning  3 credits
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts 3 credits
Two of the following Six technique/practice courses:
DANC 105 Jazz Dance I
 2 credits
DANC 110 Contemporary/Modern Dance I
 2 credits
DANC 115 Ballet I
 2 credits
DANC 205 Jazz Dance II 
 2 credits
         DANC 210 Contemporary/Modern II 2 credits
         DANC 215 Ballet II 2 credits
DANC 270  Dance History
 3 credits
Upper Division (9 credits)   
 One of the following 3-credit performances: 3 credits
        DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance 3 credits
DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance
 3 credits
DANC 305 Jazz III +DANC 405 Jazz Performance
 3 credits
DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III +DANC 410Performance
 3 credits 
DANC 315  Ballet III +DANC 415 Ballet Performance
 3 credits
DANC 465 Choreography  3 credits
DANC 470 Strategies for Dance Instruction 3 credits
Lower Division
THEA 100 Introduction to Theatre Arts
3.00 credits
An introductory survey of the history, aesthetics, and literature of the theatre, and the various areas of theatrical production. Fall and Spring.
THEA 102 Dance: Culture and Art
3.00 credits
Introduces dance as a social form present in all cultures and as an art form composed for the stage. This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Somatic learning of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students will also study the concepts of leading and following, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon, and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
THEA 111 Acting I
4.00 credits
An introduction to the techniques of dramatic expression utilizing the body, voice, and imagination. Structured play exercise helps the beginner to overcome physical/vocal inhibitions, and develop a sense of trust and teamwork within the group. Scene work is approached using beats, intentions, scores of physical actions, obstacles, and subtext. The class concludes with a recital to provide practical experience in rehearsal and performance. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent:
THEA 211 - Successful completion
THEA 120 Voice and Movement
3.00 credits
An introduction to expressively engaging the entire physical instrument in life and performance. Coursework focuses on a variety of techniques designed to develop an increased range of physical and vocal expression. The course features experimentation in a studio setting and practical/creative application through rehearsal and performance. Fall, odd years.
THEA 122 Interdisciplinary Arts
3.00 credits
This course uses concepts of theatre-, dance-, and visual arts-based research to solve problems. Students will be exposed, through lecture and assignments, to theories and methods from each art form and will learn to integrate the art forms to explore complex concepts through performance. Fall.
Equivalent:
DANC 165 - OK if taken since Fall 2022
THEA 132 Stagecraft
4.00 credits
The theory and practice of the construction and painting of scenery and props, the fundamentals of stage lighting, and the organization of technical work in the theatre. Includes a lab component. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 232 - Successful completion
THEA 134 Costume Construction
3.00 credits
In this class we will seek to understand the overall breadth of the field, with an introduction to its areas of specialization; beginning stitching, patterning, and crafting techniques, and individual contributions to the work of the Gonzaga Costume Shop, as well as a personal construction project. Fall.
THEA 190 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
THEA 200 Theatre History
3.00 credits
A study of the theatre as an expression of life and culture from a primitive ritual to the 21st century. Theatre literature, performance practice, and theatre architecture will be studied within the larger context of the culture form which the various types of theatrical expression are derived. Fall, odd years.
THEA 202 Performance Text Analysis
3.00 credits
This course will provide students with the necessary tools to create, and support other students in the creation of, critical analyses of plays and productions. Through textbook readings designed to provide students with access to the creative process, published play readings engineered to highlight successful analytical lenses and practices, and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover multiple methodologies for performance text analysis. Students learn to give and receive effective feedback. By the end of the semester, students complete several full performance text analyses and contribute directly to the making of a live performance.
THEA 216 Acting II
4.00 credits
An intensive study of the acting process building on skills developed in Acting I (THEA 111). The course focuses on character development in psychological realism and other modern forms and is intended to expand the actor's range with both scene and monologue work, as well as to expand skills in voice/body integration and script analysis. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
THEA 222 E-Portfolio
.00 credits
Taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This is reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for their senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
THEA 224 Contemporary Modern Dance I
2.00 credits
Analysis and theory of modern dance with an emphasis on basic technique and movement exploration. Includes a study of the evolution of modern dance and its past and present pioneers. Fall.
Equivalent:
DANC 110 - OK if taken since Fall 2021
THEA 235 Design Process
3.00 credits
Fundamentals of the process of designing for the theatre - developing the design from the initial script study through the collaborative process in design meetings. Learning how to “see” and developing points of view and approaches are studied. The course also covers the business of design, working in regional theatres and other professional venues. Fall, even years.
THEA 237 Costume and Fashion Design
3.00 credits
Examine the role of costume design in the performance storytelling process for stage and fashion. Utilizing classic design principles and tools, including color theory and artistic media, we explore turning texts into visual images through script analysis, character interpretation, use of historical dress, and artistic inspirations. Spring.
THEA 239 Lighting Design
3.00 credits
An introduction to the technical procedures, equipment, organization, drafting, and design principles of theatrical lighting. Students will design and execute lighting for main stage productions. Spring.
THEA 240 Theatre for Young Audiences
3.00 credits
An introduction to the artistic, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial methods for producing theatre for (and with) young audiences. Coursework features practical rehearsal and performance, a survey of major Theatre for Young Audience plays, applied theatre techniques, and curriculum development. This class is intended for students seeking to become teachers (inside and outside of theatre arts classrooms) and those interested in performing for K-12 audiences. Spring, even years.
THEA 253 Directing I
3.00 credits
The fundamental techniques of play analysis, actor communication, and composition are introduced and applied to model plays. Organizational, leadership, and conceptual skills are developed as students audition, cast, and rehearse chosen scenes from the modern realistic repertoire for performance. Fall.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
THEA 453 - Successful completion
THEA 260 Production Lab
1.00 credit
Introductory level participation in one or more phases of the design, technology, and management (DTM) production process (set construction, costume construction, lighting, sound, etc.) Spring and Fall.
THEA 261 Performance Lab
1.00 credit
Performance of a role in a main stage theatre production. Spring and Fall.
THEA 280 Shakespeare in Performance
3.00 credits
An introductory study of contemporary acting methods used to perform Shakespeare's plays. Emphasis is placed on balancing Elizabethan language and staging conventions with today's psychological realism. The course focuses on character development, physical and vocal techniques for the actor, use of verse and prose, delivery of soliloquies, and script analysis. Students engage with both scene and monologue work The course is intended to expand the actor's range as well as the reader's understanding of Shakespeare's work for the live stage.
THEA 287 Allied Arts
3.00 credits
The goal of the artist in a theatrical production is simple: to make the audience believe. To that end, it is the responsibility of the scenic artist to create the illusion that rough plywood surfaces are in fact brick walls, or that a masonite floor is instead a cobblestone walkway. This class explores scenic painting techniques, foam carving, and specialty prop design. Topics include the role of the scenic artist in the production process. Additional emphasis placed on faux painting techniques and trompe l'oeil painting. This is an intermediate studio course exploring the techniques and processes of scenic painting and crafts that encompass skills necessary for theatre and theatre production projects. Tools, materials and painting techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor and explored and executed by the student. Scenic painting does not arrive from your imagination alone. Research into surfaces and light will be necessary to apply the skills of painting.
THEA 290 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 293 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
THEA 294 Special Topics
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
Upper Division
THEA 316 Acting For The Camera
4.00 credits
With experience of basic acting techniques in hand, the student actor works in front of the camera to meet the challenges of electronic media. Simplicity of presentation, performance of the authentic person, and active listening are key skills. Work is in a variety of forms, from feature films to public service announcements. The class concludes with a public showing of student work. Periodic offering.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
THEA 332 Scenic Design
3.00 credits
Theory and application of the process used to design theatrical scenery. Students begin to develop and apply skills in script analysis, theatre drafting, model building, collage, and research techniques with the intent to design scenery for live theatre performance. Fall, odd years.
THEA 354 Directing II
3.00 credits
With a foundation in conceptualization, play analysis, actor communication, and design, student directors will create a vision for a short play. Student directors cast their shows and collaborate with a design team to realize the production in a public performance. Emphasis is placed on building conceptually rich, unified productions and the development of an individual creative voice. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 253 Minimum Grade: D
THEA 390 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 432 CIS:
3.00 credits
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
THEA 440 Playwriting
3.00 credits
Designed to provide students with the necessary tools to create dramatic texts for reading and performance. Through play reading assignments and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover methodologies for developing new work. Students hear their work read by actors in a 10-minute play festival. By the end of the semester, students complete a short one-act play. Fall, even years.
THEA 480 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 4.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 481 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 482 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 483 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 484 Theatre Seminar
1.00 credit
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 485 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 486 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 487 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 488 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 489 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 6.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 490 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 491 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 492 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 493 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design, or directing.
THEA 494 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 497 Internship
1.00- 3.00 credits
Professional work experience in theatre related field. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
THEA 498 Senior Project I
1.00 credit
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students will engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Development of senior project, to be completed in THEA 499 in the spring. Fall.
THEA 499 Senior Project II
1.00 credit
A continuation of THEA 498 with more emphasis placed on implementing a senior project in partial fulfillment of the department’s major requirements. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 498 Minimum Grade: D
 

In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.

The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.

Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?

  • The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).  
  • Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
  • Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
  • Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
  • Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.

Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?

  • Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
  • Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .

Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?

  • Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?” 

  • Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).

The Broadening Courses

  • Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
  • Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.

  • Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum

All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.