This is an excellent discussion point for Fayetteville State University, particularly as an HBCU, aiming to produce well-rounded graduates. The core curriculum is indeed the foundation for what every student, regardless of major, should know and be able to do.

Drawing from the current FSU core curriculum objectives, common HBCU missions, and universally applicable skills for success in the 21st century, here are my suggestions for courses to add to Fayetteville State University’s core curriculum, assuming no additional credits or time:

Core Curriculum Additions for FSU/HBCU Graduates

1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Through Ethical Reasoning

• Why: While FSU’s current core mentions “Critical Thinking” and “Ethics and Civic Engagement,” I propose a course that explicitly integrates these two, moving beyond theoretical concepts to practical application. Every graduate, regardless of major (from nursing to business to education), will face complex problems that require not just analytical skills but also a strong ethical compass. This course would prepare them to navigate moral dilemmas in their professional and personal lives, understanding the societal impact of their decisions. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to discern valid information, evaluate arguments, and make responsible choices is paramount.
• What it would cover:
  • Logic and Argumentation: Identifying fallacies, constructing sound arguments, deductive vs. inductive reasoning.
  • Ethical Frameworks: Utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and their application to real-world scenarios (e.g., AI ethics, environmental justice, healthcare access, social media responsibility).
  • Problem-Solving Methodologies: Structured approaches to defining problems, brainstorming solutions, evaluating options based on ethical and practical criteria, and implementing decisions.
  • Bias Awareness: Understanding cognitive biases, cultural biases, and how they impact decision-making.
  • Case Studies: Analyzing contemporary and historical ethical dilemmas and problem-solving challenges from various fields.
• Why every FSU/HBCU graduate should know this: FSU graduates will enter diverse fields where critical ethical decision-making is not optional. As an HBCU, FSU has a unique mission to develop leaders committed to social justice and positive community impact. This course would specifically cultivate that commitment by grounding critical thought in ethical action, preparing graduates to be discerning citizens and responsible professionals who can lead with integrity.

2. Applied Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity for All

• Why: FSU’s core mentions “Information Literacy” and recent suggestions include “Digital Literacy.” I propose a course that goes beyond basic computer skills to applied digital literacy, focusing on practical proficiency with tools critical across all industries and disciplines, combined with essential cybersecurity knowledge. The modern workforce is almost entirely digital, and even seemingly non-tech roles require sophisticated interaction with software, data, and online collaboration. Cyber threats are also universal.
• What it would cover:
  • Advanced Productivity Tools: Hands-on mastery of spreadsheet software (advanced functions, data analysis), presentation software (effective visual communication), and collaborative platforms (e.g., project management tools like Trello/Asana, shared document environments).
  • Data Fundamentals: Understanding basic data organization, common data types, privacy implications, and ethical use of data. Not coding, but conceptual understanding.
  • Digital Communication & Etiquette: Professional email writing, virtual meeting best practices, effective online presence, and digital networking.
  • Cybersecurity Basics: Recognizing phishing attempts, strong password management, understanding data breaches, securing personal and professional devices, and digital privacy.
  • Evaluating Digital Information: Advanced skills in discerning credible online sources, identifying misinformation and disinformation, and understanding algorithms’ impact on information consumption.
• Why every FSU/HBCU graduate should know this: Every job today, from teaching to marketing to healthcare administration, relies heavily on digital tools and data. Graduates need to be proficient users, not just consumers, of technology. Furthermore, understanding cybersecurity is no longer just for IT professionals; it’s a fundamental life skill in an interconnected world to protect oneself and one’s organization. For FSU graduates, this equips them with a highly marketable and universally applicable skill set that boosts their employability and resilience in a digital-first economy.

3. African American History/African Diaspora: Foundations of Resilience and Contribution

• Why: This suggestion is critical, especially for an HBCU. While many students might learn some African American history in high school, a dedicated college-level course in the core curriculum would provide a deeper, more nuanced, and critical understanding of African American history and its global connections through the African Diaspora. This isn’t just about history; it’s about identity, systemic challenges, resilience, and profound contributions that have shaped the world.
• What it would cover:
  • Comprehensive Historical Context: From ancient African civilizations and the transatlantic slave trade to Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary Black liberation movements.
  • Cultural Contributions: Exploration of African American influences on art, music, literature, science, philosophy, and politics globally.
  • Systemic Issues and Resilience: A critical examination of systemic racism, its historical roots, its ongoing manifestations, and the strategies of resistance, adaptation, and resilience within Black communities.
  • Global Connections: Understanding the African Diaspora’s impact on global cultures, politics, and social movements.
  • Activism and Advocacy: Learning about historical and contemporary figures who championed justice and equality, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and the role of advocacy.
• Why every FSU/HBCU graduate should know this:
  • Identity and Heritage: For Black students, this course is crucial for understanding their heritage, fostering pride, and equipping them with knowledge to navigate racial dynamics in their careers and lives.
  • Global Citizenship: For all students, regardless of background, understanding the African American experience is fundamental to being an informed, empathetic, and effective global citizen. It provides essential context for understanding American society, global power structures, and movements for justice worldwide.
  • Critical Analysis of Society: It equips graduates with the analytical tools to critically examine issues of race, power, and inequality in any professional or social context they encounter. This understanding is vital for fostering inclusive workplaces and communities.
  • HBCU Mission: As an HBCU, FSU has a unique responsibility to center and celebrate Black experiences and contributions. Making this a core requirement reinforces the institution’s commitment to its historical mission and its role in producing leaders who understand and advocate for a more equitable world.

These three additions—an integrated Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning course, an Applied Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity course, and a foundational African American History/African Diaspora course—would equip every Fayetteville State University graduate with universally essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives, preparing them not just for a job, but for a meaningful and impactful life as informed, responsible, and engaged citizens in a complex global society.