Clare courses aim to teach variety
Brianne Ramiza
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Features
At St. Bonaventure University, the word Clare is often feared, not revered.
Many incoming St. Bonaventure students do not fully understand the requirements of Clare College. Others detest Clare Courses.
"I think most students resent (Clare College) at least initially," said David DiMattio, dean of Clare College. "Clare College is a unique attempt at what schools call a core curriculum."
DiMattio described the goal of this interdisciplinary core.
"Students will be able to think critically, establish a value system and realize that all of education is built on these core components," he said.
Clare College officially began in 1997, DiMattio said. Prior to that, a "menu" system allowed students to choose courses, fulfilling requirements in religion, philosophy, social sciences and humanities. The Clare courses were decided by a faculty committee and recommended by a university accrediting agency.
Some students expressed the view their understanding of Clare College was incomplete or inaccurate before starting at the university.
Freshman Martin Spear, a psychology major, recalled an open house presentation by DiMattio.
"I felt I had a good understanding of the requirements," Spear said.
On the other hand, freshman Lindsay Finch, a biology major, said she understood that Clare College was mandatory but did not know what the coursework included.
DiMattio agreed that many students do not understand what Clare College entails. Despite his efforts to represent Clare College, DiMattio still encounters confusion.
A common complaint among students against Clare College is its alleged lack of relevance to students' futures.
The views on the relevance of Clare courses vary from beneficial to useless.
Spear feels he can relate his major to Clare College.
"I recently had the revelation," Spear said, "that Intellectual Journey can be applied to anyone's journey and all majors."
Many incoming St. Bonaventure students do not fully understand the requirements of Clare College. Others detest Clare Courses.
"I think most students resent (Clare College) at least initially," said David DiMattio, dean of Clare College. "Clare College is a unique attempt at what schools call a core curriculum."
DiMattio described the goal of this interdisciplinary core.
"Students will be able to think critically, establish a value system and realize that all of education is built on these core components," he said.
Clare College officially began in 1997, DiMattio said. Prior to that, a "menu" system allowed students to choose courses, fulfilling requirements in religion, philosophy, social sciences and humanities. The Clare courses were decided by a faculty committee and recommended by a university accrediting agency.
Some students expressed the view their understanding of Clare College was incomplete or inaccurate before starting at the university.
Freshman Martin Spear, a psychology major, recalled an open house presentation by DiMattio.
"I felt I had a good understanding of the requirements," Spear said.
On the other hand, freshman Lindsay Finch, a biology major, said she understood that Clare College was mandatory but did not know what the coursework included.
DiMattio agreed that many students do not understand what Clare College entails. Despite his efforts to represent Clare College, DiMattio still encounters confusion.
A common complaint among students against Clare College is its alleged lack of relevance to students' futures.
The views on the relevance of Clare courses vary from beneficial to useless.
Spear feels he can relate his major to Clare College.
"I recently had the revelation," Spear said, "that Intellectual Journey can be applied to anyone's journey and all majors."
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