Common Core, Uncommon Education

Core Curriculum texts

Common Core, Uncommon Education

Columbia University’s Core is one of the nation’s oldest and most renowned liberal arts programs and the hallmark of the Columbia academic experience. Ask Columbians about the value of their Columbia education and the Core is likely the first thing they will mention. They will tell you how the Core has given them an exceptional advantage at every turn.

Columbia Professor on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (youtube video)

Andrew Delbanco, the Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies, reaches new heights while lecturing on “Moby Dick.” 

Columbia: An Introduction - A short film by Ric Burns (youtube video)

Columbia: An Introduction is a short film by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ric Burns CC ‘78.

Anneke S. ('15CC) was named a Core Scholar for her video "Departure—In Four Parts" (youtube video)

Each year the Core Scholars Program invites anyone who has taken a Core course to reflect on the materials of the Core Curriculum by creating a Cor

Core Curriculum

Columbia University’s Core Curriculum is one of the nation’s oldest and most renowned Core programs.
“After my first year, I had an in-depth conversation with my grandparents about Dante's Inferno, which I had read in Literature Humanities, which helped me realize the value of the Core Curriculum. I was able to connect with my grandparents, who had come from very different cultural and educational backgrounds, through our shared knowledge of a classic novel.”

Giants Among Us

Professor Farah Griffin

Leading scholars in all disciplines across the university teach Core classes

The Core is taught by leading scholars in all disciplines across the university. Here, Latin American historian and Professor Caterina Pizzigoni leads a discussion in her Contemporary Civilization class.

Gabriela Pelsinger was named a Core Scholar for her video, "Ode to Eve" (youtube video)

Each year the Core Scholars Program invites anyone who has taken a Core course to reflect on the materials of the Core Curriculum by creating a Cor

“I simply love the Core Curriculum – the discussions in these classes are amazing, and I wish I could take Contemporary Civilizations every semester. It showed me how much more interesting knowledge the academic world has to offer outside of my major, made me read books I would have never read (even in my free time) and gave me myriads of different perspectives on questions I had never even thought about.”

Marek S.

Core Curriculum Reaches beyond Columbia to Local GED Students

A group of adult students working toward their high school Graduate Equivalency Diplomas had the opportunity to experience Columbia’s renowned Core Curriculum first-hand.
“The Core Curriculum, the hallmark of Columbia’s undergraduate education, is truly a wonderful and integral part of the development of the archetypal 'well-rounded scholar.'”
Outside Core Class

In the spring, professors take their Core classes outside

Professors often hold Core classes outside in the nice weather.
“The Core provides Columbians with a cultural understanding that allows us to appreciate the world in general in a more nuanced way. ”

Daniela Q.