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 fires, 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 120 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 140 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| CSC 180 | Systems Integration | 3 |
| ENG 190 | Intro to English Studies | 3 |
| ENG 344 | British Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 465 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 475 | Literary Criticism | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Central Texts of Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 250 | Moral Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 333 | C.S. Lewis: His Life and Christian Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 334 | Christ and Culture | 3 |
| PHIL 380 | Philosophy of Language | 3 |
| PHIL 400 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 410 | Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 450 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHYS 275 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| REL 100 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 110 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| REL 294 | Genesis | 3 |
| REL 310 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| REL 333 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 335 | The Person and Work of Christ | 3 |
| REL 336 | God, Man, and Creation | 3 |
| REL 347 | Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church | 3 |
| REL 404 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| REL 440 | 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 140 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| CCE 130 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| ENG 315 | Contemporary Mosaic | 3 |
| ENG 341 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 342 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 344 | British Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 345 | British Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 347 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 348 | World Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 386 | Special Topics in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 465 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| REL 333 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 404 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |