Core Curriculum

Grounded in Naropa University’s mission of contemplative education, the core curriculum strikes a living balance between scholarship, contemplative practice, artistic expression and civic engagement. This multidimensional approach to teaching and learning is unique to Naropa, reflecting its singular goal to bridge the gap between knowledge and wisdom.

To bridge this gap is to address the apparent dualities of intellect and intuition, body and mind, self and other, contemplation and effective action, heart and mind. Core classes establish different paths, utilizing different teaching and learning modalities to accomplish Naropa’s mission.

The core curriculum forms the foundation for the full four-year program of undergraduate study. It consists of a set of core seminars taught by senior faculty from across the university, and core area requirements that offer students the flexibility to choose from a diverse range of courses. Together these constitute a set of graduation requirements that apply to all undergraduate students.

From orientation through graduation, students work closely with their academic advisor to chart their progress through the core requirements and their chosen major.