A new curriculum is reshaping how Methodist University students approach not just their education, but life. This fall, MU has rolled out the “Life on Purpose” core curriculum. The three-course series revamps the previous “MU Journey” classes with emphasis on vocational discernment. The curriculum encourages Monarchs to think beyond their intended majors and initial career aspirations and explore purpose.
A new curriculum is reshaping how Methodist University students approach not just their education, but life.
This fall, MU has rolled out the “Life on Purpose” core curriculum. The three-course series revamps the previous “MU Journey” classes with emphasis on vocational discernment. The curriculum encourages Monarchs to think beyond their intended majors and initial career aspirations and explore purpose.
The new general education program is a major update that took years of planning and teamwork across all three undergraduate colleges. Led by College of Arts, Humanities, & Sciences Dean J.R. Hustwit, Ph.D., faculty and staff came together with the goal of making the programs easier to follow and more helpful for all students (new and transfers).
“The ‘Life on Purpose’ core sequence brings the Methodist University mission to life, ensuring that every MU student has the opportunity to explore an evolving sense of meaning and purpose while reflecting on what they feel called to respond to in the world around them,” said Suzanne Blum Malley, executive vice president and provost. “We are energized by this new core sequence, and we know our students will be, too.”
Curriculum with Purpose
At the heart of the new program is a trilogy of courses that every student will take:
- Vocation and the Good Life – This class introduces students to the idea of “vocation” or life purpose. They’ll explore theories by looking at ideas from writers, philosophers, and psychologists.
- Curiosity and Investigation – This course helps students connect their interests and passions with works in college. Students will discuss the experience of curiosity, information-seeking behaviors, and data literacy.
- Calling and Community – Using a social sciences lens, students will explore what it means to live in a community, and how the individual can contribute to and benefit from that community.
These courses are designed to help students reflect on who they are, what they care about, and their passions.
Teaching with Purpose
Faculty and staff are just as empowered as students. By design the “Life on Purpose” core curriculum gives professors the freedom to bring their passions into the classroom.
“The ‘Life on Purpose’ core curriculum gives a sense of purpose and passion to both students and their teachers,” Hustwit said. “Professors can teach the material in their own way, using their individual backgrounds and interests, to meet the learning goals.”
Each course is led by a specific academic division:
- Humanities leads Vocation and the Good Life
- Communication & Media leads Curiosity and Investigation
- Social Sciences leads Calling and Community
The general education requirements have also been simplified. Students now have a more straightforward approach in writing, math, science, religion, literature, and the arts.
Built for Every Monarch
Hustwit and the General Education Task Force also made sure the new curriculum is very transfer-student inclusive. Depending on how many credits a student brings in, transfer students might need to take only one or two of the core courses. However, for most incoming students, the “Life on Purpose” series will shape their entire college experience.
This update is about more than just earning credits. It’s about helping students figure out who they are, what they want, and how they can contribute to the world.
The Life on Purpose curriculum is supported by a program development grant from the Council of Independent College Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).
For more information on the new “Life on Purpose” general education curriculum, and its credit equivalencies visit: methodist.edu/general-education.