At the core of the Rhodes academic experience is our Foundations Curriculum, which gives students greater freedom to follow their academic interests and aspirations as they develop critical-thinking skills that are fundamental to the Rhodes experience, the study of the liberal arts and sciences, and lifelong learning. More than 400 different courses are offered to fulfill the Foundations course requirements.
Within the Foundations framework, students are required to choose one of two signature course sequences: SEARCH or Life: Then and Now ("Life"), both of which comprise three courses (12 credit hours) spread over three semesters.
SEARCH is an interdisciplinary study of the ideas, beliefs, and cultural developments that have formed Western culture. First created by the Rhodes faculty in 1945, SEARCH has evolved to draw professors from 10 departments and includes courses from various disciplines that are organized chronologically from the earliest origins to the modern period. Students will explore texts from the ancient Near East, Greece, Rome, and the early Christian church.
Taught by members of our Religious Studies Department, the first two semesters of the “Life” course sequence focus primarily on how religions have shaped the world. Specifically, students are introduced to the academic study of the Bible, from the earliest text sources to modern interpretations, as well as the origins and beliefs of other religions. For the third “Life” course, students can continue their path within the Religious Studies framework or branch out into Philosophy or Greek and Roman Studies.
Looking for a specific field of study? Check out our 70+ majors and minors!