Objectives of the Common Core Program

The common core program is an integral component of the 4-year curriculum. It is expected to play a key role in students’ overall undergraduate experience, complementing studies in specialist disciplines and other learning opportunities for students. It aspires to serve these goals and objectives:

• Spark passion for learning, broaden horizons and liberate the mind
• Develop communication and analytical capacity and independent thinking
• Foster appreciation of arts and culture, social issues, and scientific and technological precision
• Encourage inquiry and ability to work as a team
• Cultivate responsible, ethical and compassionate citizenship
• Ensure balanced physical and intellectual growth

Through this program, our graduates will develop in themselves these values, attributes and goals:

Basic human values – caring and responsible citizenship, open-mindedness, integrity, and broad appreciation of and respect for diverse cultures;

General intellectual qualities – analytical and critical ability; problem-solving skills; broad general knowledge of arts, humanities, social issues, and scientific and technological advances;

Market competitiveness – willingness to accept challenges; linguistic, communication and computer skills; creativity, resourcefulness; social adaptability; ability to work independently and in collaboration;

Cultural appreciation of fine arts and aesthetics; and

Physical and mental well-being.
 

General Criteria for Qualifying Common Core Courses

In general, common core courses are expected to meet all of the general criteria.

• The course should broaden students’ horizons.
• The course should not have a prerequisite and should be open to all students.
• The course should enhance students’ competencies such as communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking.
• The course should challenge students to consider social, cultural, or philosophical issues.

It is understood that these criteria may be revised in future in response to changing circumstances or needs. Nevertheless, they should always adhere to the objectives of the common core program and be read and interpreted in conjunction with these objectives.