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Core 100 is a required seminar for all first-year students. It focuses on developing life-long skills like critical thinking, clear writing, and discussion-based learning. Each section of Core 100 has a unique theme, allowing you to choose a topic that interests you. Past topics have ranged from environmental issues to social justice to the intersection of science and philosophy.

The biggest impact of the Core isn’t just what you learn: it’s who you become. You’ll learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and make thoughtful, ethical decisions. You’ll see issues from multiple perspectives, engage with complex ideas, and better understand your role in creating a more just world.

Unlike your high school courses, Core 100 encourages discussion-based learning rather than just memorization. You’ll engage with classmates in deep conversations, analyze complex issues, and develop your own perspectives along the way.

You’ll also complete a common reading assignment—a book or set of works that all first-year students read and discuss in their seminars. Previous reading assignments have included Hiroshima by John Hersey and Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin. These readings will be woven into your coursework and serve as a starting point for discussions on topics like ethics, social responsibility, and global perspectives.

Core 100 introduces you to the core competencies and Jesuit values that define a ºÚÁÏÉç education:

• Connecting the Dots Across Disciplines: Real-world challenges don’t exist in isolated silos. Core 100 teaches you to bridge ideas across subject areas—whether that’s connecting business ethics to science or data to public health.
• Evaluating Information in a Digital Age: We’re surrounded by noise. You’ll learn how to ask better questions, evaluate sources, spot bias, and think critically about everything from academic papers to social media feeds.
• Understanding the World Through Data: Numbers tell stories. You’ll develop the ability to interpret evidence, recognize patterns, and use data to make informed choices.
• Making Decisions That Matter: Core 100 encourages you to explore tough questions about right and wrong, clarify your personal values, and think through what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.
• Oral & Written Communication: Learn to state your case clearly, listen to diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively in small-group settings.

The skills developed in Core 100 will be helpful throughout your college journey. You’ll become a stronger writer, a more confident speaker, and a critical thinker—skills that will support you in any major or career. Plus, by the time your second semester rolls around, you’ll already be familiar with the expectations of college coursework.

And here’s the secret: these skills are exactly what employers are looking for. Across industries, organizations are seeking graduates who can think independently, collaborate with others, adapt to new challenges, and lead with purpose. The Core helps you build those skills from day one, so you’re ready for what comes next.

Core 100 is more than just a course requirement, it’s where you figure out how to think, not just what to study. It’s where you’ll build lasting skills, make new friends, and step into your identity as a college student. Get ready to dive in, ask big questions, and start creating meaningful change from day one on The Heights!