Liberal Studies Program

Explore Chicago

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As an introductory course in the First-Year Program, Explore Chicago courses reflect the central goals of the larger Liberal Studies Program at DePaul. Its objectives include developing reflectiveness and value consciousness, fostering critical and creative thinking, and incorporating a multicultural perspective.

Criteria for Inclusion
Although the Explore Chicago program is designed with a great deal of flexibility, all courses must also:

  • Involve experiential learning through participation, direct observation, personal discovery and reflection
  • Develop the writing and rhetorical skills of students through classroom exercises and projects
  • Promote the Vincentian values of community service and respect for diversity
  • Acquaint students with the Chicago metropolitan area, its neighborhoods, cultures, people, institutions, organizations and issues
  • Introduce students to group-based learning, what it means to be a life-long learner, and the enjoyment of learning.  Explore Chicago courses will encourage community building among first-year students, provide students with an opportunity for academic mentoring and intellectually socialize students to the University

To propose a new Explore Chicago course, please fill out the Proposal Form and send it electronically to Michael Edwards in the First-Year Program.