COL 150 - Columba Cornerstone

The Columba Cornerstone is a freshman seminar that introduces students to foundational ideas, perspectives, and techniques of inquiry that are essential to the college experience. The Cornerstone examines time-honored questions in the liberal arts through a topic chosen by the instructor. Using a professor-designed topic, students will build reading, writing, and thinking skills crucial to success both in college and beyond, while also learning about the resources Iona provides to support students on their academic journey. Grounded firmly in the mission statement of the Core Curriculum, the Columba Cornerstone will introduce students to critical concerns of our time such as diversity and sustainability in a digitally and globally connected world. Motivated by the values and goals of peace, justice, and service, the Cornerstone will utilize classic and contemporary texts, co-curricular engagements, and a variety of pedagogies to consider new approaches to traditional problems and cutting-edge insights for the 21st century. All sections of the Columba Cornerstone incorporate instruction on essential topics which have been designed to provide a foundation that will support students throughout their Iona experience. These topics include: The Iona Story, Diversity and Inclusion, Information and Digital Literacies, and Critical Thinking.

When taught in the fall semester, the Columba Cornerstone is “linked” with another course (and instructor) to form a Learning Community. As a Learning Community, the course instructors work in collaboration to foster an environment of integrated learning for the shared group of students who travel together between the two courses.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Core Course
Offered in Fall & Spring