The Visionary Course Pairing

Effective Writing (WR 100)

This course will use the genre of the essay to explore how our narratives -- both personal and cultural -- speak to our values, beliefs, actions, and desires. Students will analyze texts and images by a diverse selection of authors and artists, focusing on how these works interrogate our common human condition. We will consider how challenging popular narratives and beliefs can uncover new ways of thinking and living. All coursework will be geared toward articulating and refining our ideas through the processes of writing and research. By examining the stories we tell at a global, local, and personal level, we can begin to better understand ourselves and envision our futures with greater intention.

Faculty Biography

Professor Laurence Ross is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Writing Department. He has published his art writing and essays in many journals and magazines, including The Georgia Review, Bennington Review, Brevity, Bluestem, The Offending Adam, Hyperallergic, Pelican Bomb, and HuffPost. He is also a frequent contributor to BmoreArt, a Baltimore-based magazine that reflects the art and culture of Baltimore and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.

Foundations of Philosophy (PL 201)

A one semester introduction to philosophy. Three focal points are covered: the emergence and development of rational theories on the nature of reality (metaphysics); questions concerning the grounds for distinguishing between knowledge and opinion (epistemology); and the nature and status of values (ethical, aesthetic, religious, etc.). Special attention is paid to the origins of philosophy and its historical beginnings in the ancient world.

Faculty Biography

Dr. Mark Sentesy Wagner -- bio coming soon!

Mentor Biography

Patrick Durkin is Associate Director of Event Services. A Loyola graduate from the class of 2001, Patrick has been working Full Time at the University in the Event Services department since the Fall of 2001. He is originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Sabres!) where he graduated from Canisius High School. He spends as much time as he can with his two daughters, who are already looking forward to being part of Loyola's classes of 2031 and 2034!

Virtual Advisor

WR 100 satisfies the Composition core requirement for all students. PL 201 satisfies the Philosophy core requirement for all students.