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Modes Of Inquiry

Undergraduate Catalog

Honors Program

   
Modes of Inquiry - First Year Seminar 
Liberal Arts 100  

Dear Student,

Welcome to Loras College! Our faculty, staff, and students are eager to work with you to provide the best transition to college life and study. To do this, we have created an interdisciplinary seminar called Modes of Inquiry, designed to introduce first year students to liberal arts learning and thinking through collaborative work with faculty, upper class student peer assistants, and student development facilitators.

Modes of Inquiry is based on the belief that a college education is about more than memorizing facts -- it's about learning to construct knowledge, working with others to solve problems, and using critical thought to evaluate arguments, stimulate creative ideas, and raise ethical questions. Each Modes of Inquiry section will begin with a concrete issue or event (identified by the faculty member in the descriptions below) and then collaboratively set learning goals and develop a strategy for exploring the topic. Although different sections will study different topics, all will discuss the same methods of learning and achieving success in college, in addition to exploring ways to get involved in the campus community.

By completing the Modes of Inquiry seminar, you will satisfy one of the core requirements for all students at Loras. You also will be introduced to the excitement of learning by working closely with a faculty member who will be both your academic collaborator and adviser. The upper class peer assistant for your section will be available to discuss how to use the library, to develop good study methods, and to discover campus organizations and events; additionally, your peer assistant will help with your adjustment to campus social life. Student development facilitators will make presentations about social and personal issues relevant to new college students.

You will have the opportunity to discuss in more depth the academic goals of the various Modes of Inquiry classes with the faculty registration counselor who will help you to choose your courses this summer. To prepare yourself for that discussion, please read through the attached descriptions and bring the list with you to summer orientation. Although some sections may already be full at the time you register, all sections of MOI will help with your successful transition to college.

Modes of Inquiry Section Descriptions

If you have any questions about the program contact the Office of the Academic Dean, Loras College, Dubuque, IA 52004-0178, (563) 588-7107. We look forward to working with you in the fall.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cheryl Jacobsen, V.P. for Academic Affairs