Pathways
A Pathway is a University-wide emphasis consisting of select sections of existing courses. Students must complete 21 credits in courses assigned to a specific Pathway. Completion of Pathway requirements culminates in a transcript designation and certificate upon degree completion. Pathway options promote better enrollment decisions and prepare students for future success in an area of interest.
Great Texts Pathway
The Great Texts Pathway (GTP) embraces the tradition of education that began in ancient Greece with Socrates, was used by centuries of educators in ancient and medieval church, was taken up by the Lutheran reformers in Wittenberg, and has been handed down to us by the Saxon immigrants who landed on Perry County, Missouri. That tradition of education puts texts and conversation first, and lets Holy Scripture be the first of all texts. This Pathway therefore reflects not only our identity and mission as a Lutheran university, but also our spiritual and academic heritage.
The Great Texts Pathway (GTP) through the curriculum is intended to form the soul and spirit of our students by giving attention to the meaning of seminal and central texts (including great works of art, music, and foundational scientific demonstrations and texts) that have been handed down to us. The philosophy of this Pathway is centered around knowledge not as mere data or information, but knowledge as understanding. Students who take these Great Texts Pathway courses will be formed by texts rather than by lecture. This more democratic form of education will allow students to be formed by their own careful study, reflection, and conversation, with the professor acting as a guide or tutor. A text-based education is inherently interdisciplinary, because the great texts that are studied are so often interdisciplinary, and deal with all facets of divine and human knowledge.
The Great Texts Pathway (GTP) consists of courses from diverse disciplines but united by the emphasis on the close reading and vigorous discussion of primary texts. GTP courses prepare students to read and to speak well with others about what they read. These skills have broad application throughout the curriculum and across the spectrum of vocations. Students who complete 21 credits of GTP courses and apply for admission to the program will receive a GTP designation on their transcript and a certificate of completion. GTP courses are also open to all students without admission requirements or obligation to complete the program.
Questions about the program on the campus, upcoming courses, or students seeking program admission should contact the coordinator.
Concordia University Wisconsin: Dr. Jason Soenksen 262-243-4412 or jason.soenksen@cuw.edu
Concordia University Ann Arbor: Dr. Charles Schulz 734-995-7384 or charles.schulz@cuaa.edu
The following is a list of courses that could potentially be offered in the Great Text Pathway format. Not all courses or all sections of courses will be available or offered in this format each semester. Please look for Great Text Pathway designation on class schedules to verify GTP format.
Concordia University Wisconsin
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Please see the Great Texts Pathway coordinator for specific courses with CRNs being offered each semester. | ||
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| CSC 1800 | Systems Integration | 3 |
| ENG 1900 | Intro to English Studies | 3 |
| ENG 3440 | British Literature: Beginnings to Early 1700s | 3 |
| ENG 3650 | History of the English Language | 3 |
| ENG 4750 | Literary Criticism | 3 |
| PHIL 2010 | Central Texts of Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 2500 | Moral Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 3330 | C.S. Lewis: His Life and Christian Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 3340 | Christ and Culture | 3 |
| PHIL 3800 | Philosophy of Language | 3 |
| PHIL 4000 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 4100 | Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 4500 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHYS 2703 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| REL 3100 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| REL 3200 | Genesis | 3 |
| REL 3500 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 3800 | God, Man, and Creation | 3 |
| REL 3820 | The Person and Work of Christ | 3 |
| REL 3860 | Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church | 3 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| REL 4010 | Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice | 3 |
Concordia University Ann Arbor
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Please see the Great Texts Pathway coordinator for specific courses with CRNs being offered each semester. | ||
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| ENG 3150 | Contemporary Mosaic | 3 |
| ENG 3410 | American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 | 3 |
| ENG 3420 | American Literature: 1865 to Present | 3 |
| ENG 3440 | British Literature: Beginnings to Early 1700s | 3 |
| ENG 3450 | British Literature: Late 1700s to Present | 3 |
| ENG 3470 | Early World Literature | 3 |
| ENG 3480 | Late World Literature | 3 |
| ENG 3860 | Special Topics in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 4650 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| HIST 1210 | American Civilization I | 3 |
| PHIL 2210 | Human Dignity | 3 |
| PHIL 2500 | Moral Philosophy | 3 |
| REL 3500 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |