catalog header

Course Catalog

Physics

Chairperson: Nicole J. Moore
Professors:  E. Aver
J. Bierman, J. Byrne (Emeritus), A. GreerE. Kincanon
Associate Professors:
C. FinkA. FritschM. GeskeN. Moore
Senior Lecturer:
 H. Hoeck-Mills
Lecturer: B. Parris

Senior Lab Specialist: J. Kemper
Lab Specialists:
  D. Buckley, L. Stevens

Students pursuing Physics have a choice of attaining the following degrees: 

Bachelor of Science, Physics major

Bachelor of Arts, Physics Major 

Minor in Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed to prepare students for graduate study and careers in physics or closely related fields in STEM. Students are expected to declare their major in Physics in their first year of study. All students must declare a concentration. The five disciplinary concentrations share a common broad base of physics classes, with specialization occurring during the final years of study.  The two interdisciplinary concentrations include substantial coursework in at least two other disciplines in addition to physics coursework, so specialization must occur sooner in order to facilitate timely completion. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics is designed for students who do not intend to pursue further study in physics or closely related fields, although they may plan to pursue graduate studies in education, law, business, social sciences, the arts, or the humanities. It should be declared no later than the beginning of the second year of study and does not require a concentration.  It offers a greater degree of flexibility than the Bachelor of Science, which enables students to pursue a second major, a teaching certification, or other interests. 

The concentrations, as well as the B.A., allow students to closely align their course of study with their interests and career aspirations, whether that includes graduate or professional school or entering the workforce directly after their time at Gonzaga.  Students who declare late, switch between concentrations, or plan to study abroad may be accommodated by arrangement with the department.

Lower and upper division courses are designed for students to gain proficiency in hands-on, experimental physics and theoretical physics. Majors in Physics will also acquire a familiarity with scientific computation and the use of computers to model and solve physical problems. Summer research opportunities within the department, as well as with other programs, such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, are encouraged.


More information is available on the Physics
 website and the department's MyGU website.

B.S. Major in Physics: 62- 67 credits

Shared Base: 49 credits
 
PHYS 121/PHYS 121L Physics I  and Physics I Lab 5 credits
PHYS 122/PHYS 122L Physics II and Physics II Lab 5 credits
PHYS 180 Physics Skills Seminar 1 credit
PHYS 280 Physics Pathways Seminar 1 credit
MATH 157 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I
4 credits
MATH 258 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II
4 credits
CPSC 121 Computer Science I
3 credits
PHYS 201 Mathematical Methods 3 credits
PHYS 222 Electronics 2 credits
PHYS 224 Modern Physics 3 credits
PHYS 321 Classical Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 322 Electricity & Magnetism 3 credits
PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 325 Computational Physics 2 credits
PHYS 441 Advanced Laboratory I  2 credits
PHYS 442 Advanced Laboratory II 2 credits 

Physics majors are also encouraged to take:

                MATH 259 Calculus and Analytical Geometry III  
                MATH 260 Ordinary Differential Equations
                MATH 339 Linear Algebra
and additional CPSC courses.

Choose one of the following five concentrations:

Fundamental Physics Concentration: (+15 Credits) 64 credits total

CPSC 222 Introduction to Data Science 3 credits
PHYS 424 Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 451 Fields, Oscillations, & Relativity  3 credits
Two of the following five courses:
6 credits
PHYS 452 Optics

PHYS 453 Solid State Physics
 
PHYS 454 Nuclear & Particle Physics

PHYS 455 Cosmology & Astrophysics
 
PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling
 
   

Medical Physics Concentration: (+18 credits) 67 credits total

 
CHEM 101/CHEM 101L General Chemistry and Lab 4 credits
BIOL 105/BIOL 105L Information Flow in Biological Systems and Lab 4 credits
HPHY 241/HPHY 241L Human Anat & Phys I and Lab 3 credits
PHYS 454 Nuclear & Particle Physics 3 credits
PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling 3 credits
Recommended (not required): BIOL 106 & HPHY 242 / HPHY 242L
 
   

Applied Physics Concentration: (+15 credits) 64 credits total 

 
CPSC 222 Introduction to Data Science  3 credits
MATH 321 Statistics for Experimentalists 3 credits
PHYS 452 Optics 3 credits
PHYS 453 Solid State Physics 3 credits
PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling 3 credits

 

Astrophysics Concentration: (+14 credits) 63 credits total 

 
PHYS 105 Astronomy  2 credits 
CPSC 222 Introduction to Data Science 3 credits
PHYS 451 Fields, Oscillations, & Relativity 3 credits
PHYS 454 Nuclear & Particle Physics 3 credits
PHYS 455 Cosmology & Astrophysics 3 credits
   

Materials Physics Concentration: (+13 credits) 62 credits

 
CHEM 101/CHEM 101L General Chemistry and Lab 4 credits
MENG 221 Materials Engineering 3 credits
PHYS 424 Advanced Quantum Physics 3 credits
PHYS 453 Solid State Physics

3 credits 

   

B.A. Major in Physics: 52 Credits

PHYS 121/PHYS 121L Physics I and Physics II Lab 5 credits
PHYS 122/PHYS 122L Physics II and Physics II Lab 5 credits
PHYS 180 Physics Skills Seminar 1 credit
PHYS 280 Physics Pathways Seminar 1 credit
MATH 157 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I 4 credits
MATH 258 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II 4 credits
CPSC 121 Computer Science  3 credits
PHYS 201 Mathematical Methods 3 credits
PHYS 224 Modern Physics 3 credits
PHYS 321Classical Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 322 Electricity & Magnetism 3 credits
PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics 3 credits
PHYS 325 Computational Physics 2 credits
PHYS 441 Advanced Laboratory I  2 credits
PHYS 442 Advanced Laboratory II 2 credits
Two of the following eight courses: (5 credits) 

PHYS 222 Electronics 2 credits
PHYS 424 Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 credits
           PHYS 451 Fields, Oscillations, & Relativity  3 credits
           PHYS 452 Optics 3 credits
           PHYS 453 Solid State Physics 3 credits
           PHYS 454 Nuclear & Particle Physics  3 credits
           PHYS 455 Cosmology & Astrophysics 3 credits
           PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling 3 credits 

 

Minor in Physics: 27 Credits

Lower Division
PHYS 121/PHYS 121L Physics I and Physics I Lab 5 credits
PHYS 122/PHYS 122L Physics II and Physics II Lab 5 credits
PHYS 224 Modern Physics 3 credits
MATH 157 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I 4 credits
MATH 258 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II 4 credits
Upper Division
PHYS 222 and PHYS 321 and above
6 credits
To satisfy the minor, at least one of the chosen electives must be a 300 or 400 level 3-credit course. With prior Department Chair approval, PHYS 390, PHYS 490, PHYS 497, and PHYS 499 may count toward the minor. Additionally, with prior Department Chair approval, PHYS 201 may satisfy two credits toward the minor.

 

Lower Division
PHYS 104 Scientific Inquiry
3.00 credits
This course is an integrated course and lab experience satisfying the Core Scientific Inquiry requirement. The course is designed and intended for non-science majors. The topics will be developed conceptually, with the required mathematics not exceeding high school algebra and trigonometry. The specific content will vary with instructor. The course title in Zagweb will identify the focus of the lecture course material. The integrated, open lab experience focuses on developing an understanding of the scientific method and the processes of science, including measurement, modeling, and analysis. The lab experience includes hands-on activities and experiments highlighting the covered processes and delivered in an open lab time format. The lab will be open and staffed on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students to come in and complete that week's lab on their own schedule. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent:
PHYS 105 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
PHYS 105 Astronomy
2.00 credits
Introductory astronomy. An overview of the celestial objects found within the universe, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. For physics majors and PHYS 105 does NOT fulfill the Core Scientific Inquiry requirement. Annually, upon sufficient demand.
Equivalent:
PHYS 104 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
PHYS 106 Conceptual Physics
3.00 credits
The basic principles of physics are covered in a descriptive (non-mathematical) manner. Designed for students not majoring in the natural sciences or those needing a very basic background in physics. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Equivalent:
PHYS 100 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 106L Conceptual Physics Lab
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with PHYS 106. Two hours of laboratory. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Concurrent:
PHYS 106
Equivalent:
PHYS 100L - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 107 Conceptual Physics II
3.00 credits
The basic principles of physics are covered in a descriptive (non-mathematical) manner. Designed for students not majoring in the natural sciences or those needing a very basic background in physics. Offered upon sufficient demand.
PHYS 107L Conceptual Physics Lab II
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with PHYS 107. Two hours of laboratory. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Concurrent:
PHYS 107
PHYS 111 General Physics I
4.00 credits
Algebra-based introductory physics. Mechanics, including Newton's laws, conservation laws, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Not accepted as a pre-requisite for any advanced work. Fall.
Equivalent:
PHYS 101 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 111L General Physics I Lab
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 111. Three hours of laboratory. Fall.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 111 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 101L - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 112 General Physics II
4.00 credits
Algebra-based introductory physics. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Not accepted as pre-requisite for any advanced work. Spring.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 111 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 121 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 102 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 112L General Physics II Lab
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 112. Three hours of laboratory. Spring.
Prerequisite:
(PHYS 111L Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 121L Minimum Grade: D) and PHYS 112 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 102L - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 121 Physics I
4.00 credits
Calculus-based introductory physics. Mechanics, including Newton's laws, conservation laws, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent:
PHYS 103 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 121L Physics I Lab
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 121. Three hours of laboratory. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 121 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 103L - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 122 Physics II
4.00 credits
Calculus-based introductory physics. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. MATH 258 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II, may be taken prior to or concurrently. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent:
PHYS 204 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 122L Physics II Lab
1.00 credit
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 122. Three hours of laboratory. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
(PHYS 103L Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 121L Minimum Grade: D) and (PHYS 122 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 204 Minimum Grade: D)
Equivalent:
PHYS 204L - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 180 Physics Skills Seminar
1.00 credit
Development of tools useful for success in the study of physics, as well as an understanding of the discipline and the resources available to students at Gonzaga. Fall, odd years.
PHYS 185 Introductory Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 190 Introductory Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 201 Mathematical Methods
3.00 credits
Survey of mathematical techniques used in upper-division physics courses. Fall.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 122 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 204 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 300 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 222 Electronics
2.00 credits
This course is primarily a laboratory in which students learn basic concepts of linear electronics and laboratory techniques through passive components, DC and AC applications, use of test equipment, operational amplifiers, basic transistor circuits, and more. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory exercise per week. Fall, even years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 122L Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 204L Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 210 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 224 Modern Physics
3.00 credits
Special relativity, development, and an introduction to quantum mechanics and other selected topics. Spring.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 122 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 204 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 205 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 280 Physics Pathways Seminar
1.00 credit
Development of tools useful for success in the practice of physics, as well as an understanding of the discipline and the opportunities available to students during and after their time at Gonzaga. Fall, even years.
PHYS 285 Intermediate Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 290 Intermediate Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
Upper Division
PHYS 321 Classical Mechanics
3.00 credits
Particle and rigid body statics and dynamics in a rigorous vectorial calculus treatment. A fundamental introduction to theoretical physics. Spring, even years. Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260)) and PHYS 122
Equivalent:
PHYS 301 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 322 Electricity and Magnetism
3.00 credits
Electrical and magnetic phenomena leading to a development of Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic field theory. Fall, even years. Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260)) and PHYS 122
Equivalent:
PHYS 306 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics
3.00 credits
Study of thermal properties from microscopic and statistical viewpoints. Topics include: probability distributions, entropy, density of states, black body radiation. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 122 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 204 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 450 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics
3.00 credits
Development of techniques to represent and solve the Schrödinger equation for various potential energy functions and measurements in quantum mechanical systems. Fall, odd years. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 and (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260))
Equivalent:
PHYS 464 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 325 Computational Physics
2.00 credits
An introduction to computational physics. Students will be introduced to many of the basic ideas, algorithms, and tools used by physicists to solve problems. Techniques learned here will be used in most upper-level courses. Spring, odd years. Prerequisite(s): MATH 258 and PHYS 121
Equivalent:
PHYS 208 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 385 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 390 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
PHYS 395 Research Assistantship
.00 credits
Undergraduate research assistantships are opportunities for student to earn a stipend while performing independent research in the laboratory of a Physics faculty member.
PHYS 424 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
3.00 credits
Extension of techniques and concepts of Quantum Mechanics to systems with greater complexity, such as the inclusion of relativistic effects and the behavior of identical particles. Spring, even years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 324 Minimum Grade: D
PHYS 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.
PHYS 441 Advanced Laboratory I
2.00 credits
Development of experimental and analytical techniques. Introduction to scientific writing and communication. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 122L Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 217 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
PHYS 442 Advanced Laboratory II
2.00 credits
Further development of experimental and analytical techniques. Refinement of scientific writing and communication. Spring, even years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 441 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 310 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
PHYS 451 Fields, Oscs, & Relativity
3.00 credits
Study of advanced classical and relativistic systems, including orbital mechanics, coupled oscillations, electromagnetic waves, and relativistic transformations. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 224 Minimum Grade: D and PHYS 321 Minimum Grade: D and PHYS 322 Minimum Grade: D
PHYS 452 Optics
3.00 credits
Treatment of optical phenomena using the three major models for light: rays, waves, and photons. Spring, even years. Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260)) and PHYS 122
Equivalent:
PHYS 307 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 453 Solid State Physics
3.00 credits
Study of solid materials using both macroscopic and microscopic quantum models from physics. Topics may include early models of solids, mechanical and thermal properties of materials, elasticity, chemical bonding, metals, crystal structure, phonons and vibrational modes, electric conductivity, band gap theory and semiconductors, transistors, magnetic properties of materials, and other selected solid state topics. Fall, odd years. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 and (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260))
Equivalent:
PHYS 468 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 454 Nuclear and Particle Physics
3.00 credits
Study of experimental and theoretical aspects of nuclear interactions as they apply to nuclear structures and elementary particle characteristics. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite:
PHYS 244 Minimum Grade: D or PHYS 205 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
PHYS 409 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 455 Cosmology and Astrophysics
3.00 credits
Study of the global evolution of the universe, including the expansion rate of the universe, big bang nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background radiation, inflation, relativity, and other selected astrophysics topics. Spring, odd years. Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 201 or (MATH 259 and MATH 260)) and PHYS 122
Equivalent:
PHYS 415 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling
3.00 credits
Study of biological systems using first principles, tools, and models from physics. Topics may include diffusion, membrane potentials, models of neural dynamics, information processing in biological systems, and other selected biophysics topics. Fall, even years. Prerequisite(s): (CPSC 121 or ENSC201 ) and PHYS 122 and (PHYS 201 or MATH 260)
Equivalent:
PHYS 412 - Taken before Summer 2023
PHYS 485 Advanced Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 490 Advanced Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB.
PHYS 497 Internship
.00- 6.00 credits
Credit recognition of an internship or research experience, arranged by the student, directly related to the student's Physics Major and/or career plans, where said experience helps the student increase and develop practical physics knowledge and skills. Prior to registration, the student must secure participation in an internship or research experience, identify a faculty supervisor, complete and submit the Physics Department Internship Application form, and receive permission from the Physics Department.
PHYS 499 Senior Project
.00- 3.00 credits
May be undertaken by B.S. Physics Majors in their senior year. Permission from Physics Department required.
 

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.