4.0 Conceptual Framework

The following chart summarizes the Conceptual Framework of the Core Curriculum.  The focus on Biblical Thinking and Living is at the center of the curricular structure with all outcome areas being aligned with the central three questions.

HOW WAS THE FRAMEWORK DEVELOPED?

The Steering Committee reviewed the institution’s mission documents and identified key concepts that informed the work related to the curricular purposes of the institution. Some key themes related to University Mission and Philosophy are described below.

UNIVERSITY MISSION

All educational programming at the University of Northwestern is grounded in its mission which states,

“University of Northwestern – St, Paul exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world.” (2020-2021 University of Northwestern Traditional Undergraduate & Dual Enrollment Catalog, p. 5)

At the center of the mission is a focus on providing a Christ-centered education that equips individual students to thrive intellectually and spiritually, leading to effective service and leadership. Scripture describes this growth as transformation into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). It is this purpose that is at the core of all academic programs at Northwestern and which characterizes the focus of the Core Curriculum.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The University of Northwestern clearly states the centrality of biblical truth in its philosophy of education.

“University of Northwestern endeavors to provide education that is grounded first and foremost in the truth of the Bible and in God as the Ultimate Reality of the universe. Based on an intimate knowledge of the Word of God and with a deep, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, all other knowledge is interpreted in its proper and accurate perspective.” (2020-21 UNW Traditional Undergraduate & Dual Enrollment Catalog, p. 5)

This concept is further discussed in the University’s description of its Core Curriculum.

“Scripture teaches the truth that all things have their existence and find their meaning in relationship to Christ. [Northwestern] believe[s] that truth exists. It is the desire of the University of Northwestern that students encounter Christ and be continually transformed into His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. The University of Northwestern provides an environment for that transformation to take place through challenging and respectful engagement in academic settings, chapel, campus life experiences, and personal relationships with members of the University community.” (Core Curriculum Guide, p. 3)

Grounding all intellectual inquiry in the truth of the Bible and God as the Ultimate Reality of the universe requires exploration of the three critical questions identified below.

• What is real? Christ is the foundation of all reality (Colossians 1)
• What can we know? Christ is the source of all knowledge (Colossians 3)
• How should we live? Christ is our model (Philippians 2)

Therefore, the conceptual model for Northwestern’s Core Curriculum is structured to assist students in Becoming Like Christ for God’s Glory by engaging in study which allows them to explore the three critical questions. The Core Curriculum seeks to support students in developing a deep understanding of these truths and in applying them in their lives and within a variety of disciplinary contexts.

Outcome Areas
There are seven key outcome areas that are included in the UNW Core Curriculum. Each category is designed to prepare graduates in answering the three critical questions through a disciplinary lens.

This conceptual structure aligns with Northwestern’s Philosophy of Education which states the following.

“God has made His people stewards of His creation and provided a general revelation of Himself through all that He has created. Believers are called to use their God-given rational abilities to understand, organize, and use what God has revealed. Consequently, University of Northwestern strives to instill in students the desire to pursue truth as a life-long calling and to provide them with the tools to learn the truths of the Bible and in all of God’s creation and to be witnesses of God’s redemptive glory throughout the world.” (2020-21 UNW Traditional Undergraduate & Dual Enrollment Catalog, p. 5)

Northwestern’s curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their lifelong calling to truth, to study God’s creation with rigor, and to be witnesses of God’s redemptive glory throughout the world through their service and leadership.

The following outcome categories guide the selection of courses and learning experiences within the Core Curriculum.