The latest in a series of core academic programs first established in 1964, the Paideia curriculum consists of three required interdisciplinary courses: a common two-semester sequence for first-year students (Paideia I), and a series of one-semester courses for juniors and seniors (Paideia II, also known as Capstone).

Paideia 111-112: Enduring Questions ( two 4-credit courses)

A two-semester common course for all first-year students, focused on one or more themes that confront us as learners and as citizens. Paideia: Enduring Questions is committed to developing students' abilities as critical readers, writers, informed speakers, and researchers. The course draws on European, African, Asian, and American traditions so that students will encounter multiple perspective in seeking answers to the questions posed by the course. Material is drawn from ancient times through the present.

Paideia: Enduring Questions is required of all first-year students. Students are not allowed to withdraw from Paideia 111 or 112. The course is staffed by all the members of the English and history departments, as well as by selected members of other academic departments.

If you would like access to the Paideia: Enduring Questions Calendar, please click here

Paideia 450 (one 4-credit course)

A team-taught, junior-senior course devoted to interdisciplinary study of an ethical issue that confronts us in our lives as learners and citizens. Paideia 450 courses pay special attention to the nature of moral decision-making and to the continued development of students' writing skills. The Paideia 450 requirement is completed during the junior or senior year in a course taught at Luther College or in a designated Luther-sponsored program. Juniors and seniors may also satisfy Paideia 450 in three alternative forms:

1. By co-enrolling in an interdisciplinary cluster of two paired courses carefully planned by participating faculty;
2. By enrolling in a carefully planned sequence of two courses taught by two different faculty members in the same academic year;
3. Through the completion of an interdisciplinary minor.