Core Course Descriptions

UCOR 1000 / 2000: Signature Seminar

You’ll start your Seattle University academic journey in a Signature Seminar. Each Signature Seminar is taught by one our dynamic faculty members who will share their academic interests and passions with you while introducing you to the university and preparing you for success in your Core courses, major, and future career. In this course, you'll gain confidence in your academic skills, engage in exciting learning experiences on and off campus, and learn about our community’s assets and needs. At Seattle University, our Jesuit approach to learning in pursuit of a just and humane world begins with relationships, listening, and curiosity. Whatever the subject matter, this course will help you feel at home in Seattle and begin your journey into meaningful engagement with your peers, your faculty, and our community partners. 

You’ll walk away from this course with:

1. Academic skills employers value, including the ability to:
   • Critically analyze complex readings;
   • Evaluate the credibility of sources (essential for critical thinking in the age of information overload);
   • Map out how complex issues connect—a key skill for problem-solving in any field;
   • Communicate effectively across different contexts and audiences;
   • And ask the right questions (often more valuable than having the right answers).
2. A roadmap for your success at SU: You’ll know where to go for support (academic and personal) and how to use those resources strategically throughout your four years.
3. Clarity on your own path: You’ll understand how Seattle University's Core Curriculum shapes your education and how to navigate it intentionally in support of your personal and professional goals.
4. Real-world context and community awareness: You'll engage with Seattle and the Puget Sound region beyond campus, and learn to assess community needs with cultural humility - a mindset that sets apart candidates in fields like healthcare, education, public policy, nonprofit work, and business.
5. Whether you're undecided or already set on a major, this seminar helps you enter your SU experience with intention. The habits you build here - curiosity, critical thinking, community awareness - are the ones that follow you into your career. 

UCOR 1100: Academic Writing Seminar

This course helps you build the writing, critical thinking, and communication skills needed to succeed in college and in your future career. Through reading, discussion, writing, and revision, you will learn how to communicate effectively with different audiences and for different purposes.

Each section of UCOR 1100 is organized around a faculty-selected theme that guides your reading, writing, and discussion throughout the quarter. Regardless of which section you take, you’ll develop strategies for researching information, evaluating sources, constructing evidence-based arguments, and revising your work to improve clarity and impact. You will also explore how writers adapt their messages to different situations, audiences, and genres - an essential skill in academic, professional, and civic settings. Whether you are preparing for advanced coursework, internships, leadership roles, or future careers, UCOR 1100 provides a foundation in written communication that will help you succeed across disciplines and professions.

UCOR 1200: Quantitative Reasoning

In this course, you’ll learn how to interpret and communicate quantitative information, evaluate claims supported by data, and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world situations. You will work with numbers, graphs, tables, probability, and statistics to better understand complex issues and make evidence-based decisions.

In today’s workplace, employers value people who can analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions using data. Whether you plan to work in business, healthcare, education, technology, the sciences, public service, human-centered fields, communication and media, the arts, or any other career, the ability to analyze data and communicate quantitative findings is an increasingly important professional skill. UCOR 1200 will help you become a more confident problem-solver, critical thinker, and communicator in both academic and professional settings.

UCOR 1500: Philosophies of Humanity

This course invites you to explore some of the most important questions people ask about themselves, their communities, and the world: What does it mean to be human? How should we live? What responsibilities do we have to others? As an introduction to philosophy, the course develops practical skills that are valuable across careers and professions, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and thoughtful decision-making.

Through reading, discussion, writing, and reflection, you will learn how to analyze complex ideas, evaluate evidence and arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and articulate your own views with clarity and confidence. Rather than surveying every branch of philosophy, the course focuses on one or more philosophical approaches to understanding human experience, allowing you to engage deeply with questions that continue to shape contemporary social, professional, and civic life.

As a foundational course at a Jesuit university, you will also examine how philosophical inquiry can contribute to creating a more just, humane, and compassionate world. The skills and habits of mind you develop in this course will support your success in future coursework, your career, and your engagement as an informed and reflective member of society.

UCOR 2100: Theological Explorations

This course introduces you to theology as an academic discipline while helping you develop skills that are valuable in any career, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, intercultural understanding, self-reflection, and effective communication. You will explore key theological ideas that have shaped Christian understandings of God, humanity, and society, with particular attention to the Catholic and Jesuit traditions. Through the study of influential texts, historical figures, and contemporary issues, you will examine how theological perspectives continue to inform conversations about meaning, purpose, justice, leadership, and social responsibility.

The course also provides opportunities to reflect on your own values, beliefs, and life experiences while learning to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with perspectives different from your own. These experiences will help you strengthen your ability to navigate complex questions, communicate across differences, and make informed decisions in both professional and personal settings.

As a foundational course at a Jesuit university, this class encourages you to consider how your education, career, and values can contribute to the common good and a more just and compassionate world.

UCOR 2300: Inquiry Seminar in Creative Arts and Expression

These courses may focus on visual art, music, theatre, creative writing, or other artistic disciplines. You will gain direct experience creating original work while building practical skills in collaboration, innovation, project development, and constructive feedback. Along the way, you will explore how social, political, economic, and historical contexts influence artistic movements and creative expression.

These courses emphasize both making and understanding art. You will study influential works and artists, apply artistic techniques and aesthetic principles, and learn to analyze and evaluate creative work. Through writing, discussion, presentations, and reflection, you will strengthen your ability to communicate ideas clearly, think critically, and adapt your message for different audiences. Through hands-on artistic practice, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, you will learn how to generate original ideas, communicate a vision, and engage audiences through creative expression. Whether you pursue a career in the arts, engineering, business, healthcare, technology, education, public service, communication and media, or any other career, the skills developed in this course - creativity, communication, innovation, and cultural awareness - will support your professional and personal growth.

UCOR 2400: Inquiry Seminar in History, Arts, or Literature

This course explores a significant question in the humanities through the focused study of literature, history, culture, or related fields. Rather than surveying an entire discipline, you will investigate a compelling topic in depth while developing skills that are highly valued across professions, including critical thinking, research, communication, and analytical problem-solving. 

Through the study of primary sources - such as novels, poems, historical documents, essays, works of art, films, speeches, and digital media - you will learn how to interpret complex information, evaluate evidence, and construct well-supported arguments. You will examine how language, culture, historical events, and human experiences shape the stories people tell and the ideas that influence societies over time. 

The course emphasizes the ability to analyze information within its broader context, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and engage thoughtfully with complex questions. Through writing, discussion, research, and presentations, you will strengthen skills that are essential for success in careers across all fields from science and technology to arts, law, education, and communication. Most importantly, by connecting historical and cultural perspectives to contemporary issues, this course helps you become a more informed, adaptable, and effective thinker, communicator, and citizen of a complex world.  

UCOR 2600: Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences

This course explores important questions about human behavior, organizations, and society through the lens of a social science discipline. Rather than providing a broad survey of the field, the course focuses on a specific topic or question, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of how social scientists investigate and explain real-world issues.

You will learn how to gather, analyze, and interpret evidence using methods commonly employed in the social sciences, including observation, data analysis, research design, and the evaluation of competing explanations. Through the study of human behavior and social systems, you will develop practical skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, data literacy, and evidence-based decision-making—skills that are highly valued across a wide range of career fields.

The course emphasizes the ability to ask meaningful questions, evaluate information, recognize patterns, and communicate findings effectively. Through research, writing, quantitative analysis, discussions, and presentations, you will strengthen your ability to analyze complex issues and make informed judgments in professional and civic settings. The skills developed in this course will help you understand people, organizations, and communities while preparing you to navigate an increasingly complex world.

UCOR 2800: Inquiry in the Natural Sciences

This course explores important questions about the natural world through the methods and perspectives of a natural science discipline. Rather than providing a broad survey of the field, the course focuses on a specific scientific question or topic, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of how scientists investigate and explain natural phenomena.

Through laboratory, field, or other hands-on experiences, you will learn how to make observations, collect and analyze data, develop and test hypotheses, and draw evidence-based conclusions. As you examine biological, physical, or environmental systems, you will gain experience applying scientific principles to real-world questions and challenges. You will also strengthen your ability to interpret data, evaluate evidence, and communicate complex information clearly—skills that are essential in many career fields and which strengthen your curiosity and understanding of how the world works. By engaging directly with scientific investigation, you will develop the analytical mindset and adaptability needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.

UCOR 2900 | 2910 | 2920: Ethical Inquiry

This course helps you develop the ethical reasoning and decision-making skills needed to navigate complex challenges in your career, community, and personal life. Through the study of ethical theories and perspectives from diverse cultures, traditions, and global viewpoints, you will learn how to analyze difficult questions, evaluate competing values, and make informed, responsible decisions.

Using real-world case studies, you will explore ethical issues that arise in professional, social, and global contexts. You will examine how individuals, organizations, and communities address questions of responsibility, justice, leadership, and the common good. The course encourages you to think critically about your own values and actions while developing the ability to engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives.

As a foundational course at a Jesuit university, the class also explores how ethical reflection can contribute to responsible leadership and meaningful service in an interconnected world. Employers consistently value professionals who can navigate ambiguity, exercise sound judgment, communicate effectively, and consider the broader impact of their decisions. This course helps you build those skills.

Through discussion, writing, and collaborative inquiry, you will strengthen your ability to analyze complex situations, communicate your reasoning, and approach challenges with integrity and accountability. 

UCOR 3100: Religion in a Global Context

This course explores religious traditions, spiritual practices, and worldviews from around the world while helping you develop the cultural awareness, communication, and analytical skills needed today. Through the study of diverse religious communities and perspectives, you will gain a deeper understanding of how religion shapes societies, cultures, values, and responses to contemporary challenges.

Depending on the course focus, you may examine a particular religious tradition, compare multiple traditions, or explore how religious and spiritual perspectives inform discussions of global issues such as social justice, conflict, environmental sustainability, human rights, and community well-being. You will study sacred texts, beliefs, rituals, ethical teachings, and cultural expressions while considering their historical and social contexts.

The course emphasizes the ability to engage respectfully with people from different backgrounds, analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, and communicate effectively across cultures. Through discussion, reflection, research, and writing, you will strengthen your ability to think critically about global issues, understand diverse perspectives, and contribute thoughtfully and meaningfully to an interconnected world.

UCOR 3200: Global Perspectives

Global Perspectives courses challenge you to examine significant global issues through the lens of a specific academic discipline while developing the skills needed to address complex problems in an interconnected world. Whether the focus is on environmental sustainability, public health, migration, economic development, social justice, technology, or another global challenge, you will learn how disciplinary knowledge can be applied to real-world issues that affect communities across the globe.

Working alongside students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, you will engage in interdisciplinary discussions, evaluate diverse perspectives, and explore practical approaches to understanding and addressing global challenges. The course emphasizes critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication—skills that are highly valued by employers in nearly every profession.

Through a substantial research paper, project, or community-engaged experience, you will investigate a complex issue in depth, analyze evidence, and develop informed recommendations or solutions. You will also strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and professionally for different audiences. This course helps prepare you to be a thoughtful professional, informed citizen, and engaged leader in a rapidly changing world.

You can fulfill this course through two potential alternatives: 1) through an approved Education Abroad experience, or 2) by taking a modern language course more advanced than your college language requirement. 

UCOR 3300: Responsibility and Action

Responsibility and Action is the culminating course of the University Core and serves as a bridge between your Seattle University education and the professional, civic, and global communities you will engage with after graduation. This capstone experience challenges you to apply the knowledge, skills, and values you have developed throughout your undergraduate journey to address a meaningful local or global issue. 

Working through the lens of a specific discipline, you will identify a real-world challenge and design a project, initiative, or action plan that demonstrates responsible leadership, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to the common good. The course emphasizes the practical application of learning, helping you connect academic knowledge with professional practice and community impact.

As a Jesuit capstone experience, the course encourages you to consider how your talents, expertise, and aspirations can contribute to a more just, humane, and sustainable world. Your Responsibility and Action course empowers you to leave Seattle University prepared not only for a successful career, but also for meaningful participation in your communities and professions as someone committed to making a positive difference in our common global home.