Clare courses aim to teach variety

At St. Bonaventure University, the word Clare is often feared, not revered.Many incoming St. Bonaventure students do not fully understand the requirements of Clare College. Others detest Clare Courses.

"I think most students resent (Clare College) at least initially," said David DiMattio, dean of Clare College. "Clare College is a unique attempt at what schools call a core curriculum."

DiMattio described the goal of this interdisciplinary core.

"Students will be able to think critically, establish a value system and realize that all of education is built on these core components," he said.

Clare College officially began in 1997, DiMattio said. Prior to that, a "menu" system allowed students to choose courses, fulfilling requirements in religion, philosophy, social sciences and humanities. The Clare courses were decided by a faculty committee and recommended by a university accrediting agency.

Some students expressed the view their understanding of Clare College was incomplete or inaccurate before starting at the university.

Freshman Martin Spear, a psychology major, recalled an open house presentation by DiMattio.

"I felt I had a good understanding of the requirements," Spear said.

On the other hand, freshman Lindsay Finch, a biology major, said she understood that Clare College was mandatory but did not know what the coursework included.

DiMattio agreed that many students do not understand what Clare College entails. Despite his efforts to represent Clare College, DiMattio still encounters confusion.

A common complaint among students against Clare College is its alleged lack of relevance to students' futures.

The views on the relevance of Clare courses vary from beneficial to useless.

Spear feels he can relate his major to Clare College.

"I recently had the revelation," Spear said, "that Intellectual Journey can be applied to anyone's journey and all majors."

Hillary Freeman, a sophomore psychology major,
disagrees.

"To be honest, I do not feel Clare College benefits my major or has helped me," she said.

Some students have complained about the subject areas of these course.

"Clare College covers a wide variety of fields, but definitely focuses on philosophy and theology," Spear said.

Both Schrader and Freeman made similar comments.

"I hate it more than I like it," Schrader said. "Clare College reminds me of middle school because everyone takes the same classes."

The St. Bonaventure Web site explains the logic behind the common coursework.

"When the faculty set up Clare College, it was decided that students would most benefit by a shared educational experience that would promote community-wide intellectual conversation," reported the Web site.

In the near future, DiMattio does not foresee more options for Clare College. Current options include various sections of Western World, Social World, World Views, and Art and Literature. He explains the recent addition of cross-sectioned courses was "an attempt to allow students to experience some flexibility" that fit within the goals of Clare College.

Cross-sectioned classes can fulfill Clare requirements or satisfy other major requirements.

Some students are satisfied with the current Clare options.

"I like the direction that Clare College appears to be heading," junior Kevin Rhode, an accounting major, wrote in an e-mail. "I like how they are adding courses that will count as a Clare because they give students more of an option."

Schrader agreed. She enjoyed Clare 108: World Views: India and China, a new Clare option.

"My eyes were opened to different cultures and religions," she said.

She is also excited to take other Clare choices, such as Clare 109: Music, a focused version of Art and Literature.

Despite her positive experiences, Schrader realizes that not all students feel the same.

DiMattio recognizes the resentment students feel toward Clare College, but encourages them to keep an open mind.

"Get a little uncomfortable," DiMattio said. "Challenge yourself to think outside the boxes and become more well-rounded.