Courses

As a Friar Foundations participant, you will take an intensive writing preparatory course and an intensive college skills preparatory course — combining for three credits. In addition, you can choose from one of the following three-credit courses according to your interests.

Summer 2026 courses

BIO 124: Ethnobotany, the Study of the Plants We Use Core Foundation/Proficiency: Natural Science – Examines the intimate relationship between humans and plants. Students will explore the origin, history, and use of food plants, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants. These plants will be placed not only in a cultural context, but in a biological context as well. A component of this course is occasional field trips. Intended for non-science majors only.

MTH 109: Calculus I Core Foundation/Proficiency: Quantitative – An introduction to the basic theory of differential and integral calculus with applications in the biological and social sciences. This course introduces students to one-variable calculus and covers topics in limits and differentiation. The emphasis is on applications of calculus to problems in the biological and social sciences.

PHL 103 — Introduction to Philosophy
Core Foundation/Proficiency: Philosophy – Introduction to Philosophy provides an introduction to the principal questions of philosophy. Topics may include: What is the nature of reality? What can we know? How ought we to live? What is the best political state? Do we have immortal soul?

SOC 101 — Introductory Sociology
Core Foundation/Proficiency: Social Science; Diversity – Introductory Sociology is an analysis of the social bases of human behavior. The course provides an introduction to the basic concepts, perspectives, and research techniques of contemporary sociology, including topics such as social organization, culture, socialization deviance, and stratification.

TDF 102: Introduction to Oral Communications Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication – An introductory course in recognizing and developing effective oral communication skills. Focuses on self-awareness, team building skills, listening skills, and oral presentations. Students will prepare a variety of individual and group presentations, exploring oral communication in formal and informal situations. Listening and evaluation skills are developed through engagement in discourse, activities, and written assignments.