Cornerstone: Foundational Skills and Capacities for Academic Success

Cornerstone welcomes both new and continuing Evergreen students who are interested in developing skills and strategies for engaging in meaningful college-level work. At the center of our work will be an important philosophical question: What does it mean to be "good"? Should we aim to be "good enough" or strive for perfection, as humans and as students? We'll explore these ideas through a range of accessible, challenging texts by Aristotle, Peter Elbow, Lynda Barry, Oliver Burkeman, Adam Phillips, bell hooks, and others. Louis E. Newman's Thinking Critically in College (our primary textbook) will offer practical techniques you can apply to your work in this class and beyond. 

Whether you're feeling uncertain about college-level work or looking to sharpen your academic skills, Cornerstone provides a welcoming space to grow alongside other curious students. You'll learn how to make the most of Evergreen's distinctive approach to education, turning academic requirements into opportunities for genuine learning and discovery. This course is especially valuable for students who want to build confidence in college-level reading and writing, those seeking a supportive introduction to seminar discussions, and anyone interested in exploring big ideas in an accessible way. Join us in creating a collaborative learning community where we can explore important ideas while developing skills for college success. 

We will meet in person for three hours a week each Wednesday evening. Students will also be expected to engage in an additional hour of asynchronous instruction each week.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Foundational Skills for Academic Success