Franklin College to Launch ‘The Pursuit’
Franklin College plans to roll out what it calls its most comprehensive curricular reform in the college’s 185-year history later this month. The college says the effort, known as The Pursuit at Franklin College, will make "engaged learning an integral part of every student’s Franklin experience."
The reimagined curriculum is the result of more than a year of collaboration between the faculty and administration at Franklin. The college says The Pursuit leverages many of the best practices already embedded in the curriculum, carries them across every discipline and integrates them into all majors.
As a result, the effort aims to immerse students in four years of "engaging, cohesive, transformational experiences." Franklin College President Thomas Minar says The Pursuit positions graduates to succeed in a rapidly-changing world.
"Throughout all of history, we can find examples of how innovative ideas have driven economies and changed the world," Minar said in a news release. "Some of the most inspirational innovators are from Indiana, which continues to be a springboard for thinking big. Hoosiers such as Colonel Eli Lilly, Madam C.J. Walker, Frank Ball and Orville Redenbacher are some of greatest examples of innovators who achieved extraordinary success because they recognized opportunities, developed ideas and pursued dreams. They knew how to think, and we believe Franklin College graduates can build on their impactful legacies."
The college says the new curriculum hinges on six educational practices:
- A robust first-year experience: All new students will participate in a topic-based seminar and will benefit from a subsequent series of workshops, peer interactions and skill-building opportunities, as well as from individualized guidance by trained staff and advisers. Another key element of the first-year experience is a yearlong program called Launch. It is specifically designed for new students and provides resources to help with the transition into college.
- A relevant and responsive liberal arts experience: Specially designed courses will help students learn to see the world through a variety of lenses and to understand how values are formulated from different perspectives.
- Immersive, applied experiences: Learning will take place somewhere other than in a traditional classroom. The college will expand opportunities so that every student completes one internship, but also, so that every course students take during January’s Immersive Term will be experience-based.
- Overt opportunities to use technology: Whenever possible, both in- and out-of-classroom experiences will involve technology.
- Undergraduate research opportunities: Over four years, students will conduct research of an increasingly professional caliber, gaining the confidence and ability to pursue and answer meaningful questions.
- Cohesive professional development opportunities: Every major will integrate customized opportunities for a student’s professional development, helping forge their clear vision of the path between college and career.
"These practices characterize an approach that is intentional and unique to Franklin College," said Lori Schroeder, provost and dean of Franklin College. "The Pursuit is carefully crafted to intersect liberal arts education with experience-based preparation for the world of work. The Franklin faculty are fully committed to deliver a curriculum that can help students succeed in the pursuit of their individual goals."
One of the other key aspects of The Pursuit is Launch, a year-long program designed to provide new students with the necessary resources to help with the transition to college.